Security patrols get Safer WA funding

10/2/00
A diverse range of projects ranging from security patrols to skateboard facilities for young people are included in the latest round of funding under the State Government's successful Safer WA initiative.
Premier Richard Court says that almost $1 million has been allocated to 50 community security projects around the State.
Mr Court said that local government bodies had responded positively to the Safer WA initiative and were showing wisdom and imagination in their approach to improving the security of local communities.
"In the 18 months since the Government and the Western Australian Municipal Association entered the Safer WA partnership, a great deal has been achieved in community safety and security," he said.
"It is clear that the commitment is not waning and that local governments intend to make a permanent contribution to community safety and security."

Mr Court said the principle behind Safer WA was simple - that crime is a shared problem and a shared responsibility.
"Safer WA promotes the development of crime strategies that are appropriate for individual communities - local solutions for local problems," he said.
The Premier said the 50 successful applications covered community security audits, other community security initiatives, and subsidies for security patrols.
With these grants, a total of 68 local governments would have received funds for security audits.
Security patrols would be subsidised in the local government areas of Bayswater, Belmont, Canning, Joondalup, Meekatharra, Melville and Stirling.
"The purpose of this funding is to assist local government areas with initiatives which they believe can improve public safety in their communities," Mr Court said.
"The successful projects in this latest round of funding show that local government bodies are prepared to look at a range of initiatives such as security lighting and patrols, but also projects such as a skate park facility in South Lake, supporting Neighbourhood Watch or Constable Care puppet shows in the Bassendean area."
Applications for the next round of grants are expected to be called in July.

Media contact: Casey Cahill 9222 9475