July 26, 2010
The Nationals Member for Gippsland Darren Chester is supporting a $50 million funding commitment to improve community safety by re-establishing the National Community Crime Prevention Program.
The program will support the crime-fighting efforts of local communities and the states with grants for security-related infrastructure including closed circuit television (CCTV).
Mr Chester said residents in several Gippsland and Latrobe Valley towns had expressed interest in securing funding for CCTV to reduce the incidence of anti-social behaviour.
“The Nationals in government would take action to help people feel safe in their communities and reduce the crime rate in regional centres,” Mr Chester said.
“Residents in many towns including Traralgon, Sale, Bairnsdale and Lakes Entrance have spoken to me about securing funding for CCTV to help stop the small minority of trouble-makers who cause trouble, particularly on weekends.
“In the past, I’ve sought funding on behalf of the Traralgon CBD Safety Committee but the Rudd-Gillard Government abandoned the community crime prevention program.
“This new funding will provide an opportunity for Gippsland towns to apply for grants for infrastructure and services that can make a difference to community safety.”
Mr Chester said he had lobbied his Coalition colleagues to develop a national approach to community safety.
“While local crime prevention has traditionally been the responsibility of the states and territories, I recognise the need for a national contribution to the crime-fighting efforts of local communities at a grassroots level,” Mr Chester said.
“Tackling crime should be a national priority and in addition to projects like installing CCTV, there needs to be a focus on prevention by engaging ‘at risk’ young people in community and sporting activities.
“Applications for funding will involve the local police and a partnership approach with local community groups such as business associations and safety committees.
“I’m confident that we can make a difference to community safety and crime prevention with well-targeted funding to support local initiatives.
“At the same time, we must keep the pressure on the State Government to increase police numbers in line with the State Coalition’s plan for the future.”