The WA Local Government Association has welcomed the $1 million funding allocation to the SAFER WA community security program. Announced recently by the State Minister for Local Government and Regional Development, Tom Stephens, the funds will allow Local Governments to put programs in place to deal with situational crime, and provide a range of positive intervention programs to prevent crime.
Much of the funding will go towards programs that target crime prevention among youth. This includes the employment of youth officers and the development of recreation facilities providing activities for young people.
President of the WA Local Government Association, Councillor Ian Mickel, said community surveys had shown that ratepayers want greater resources allocated to community security and safety initiatives.
“During the State budget process, we called on the Government to honour the current community security project, instigated by the previous government, of four million dollars over four years,” he said.“The response to this grants program was an indication of the importance that Local Governments place on safety initiatives and community security, and in the coming years, it will be necessary for the Government to increase the funds available for this program. This announcement is a clear commitment from the State Government to this current program and we welcome it.”
