Community safety continues to be a leading priority for Cardinia Shire Council.
At a meeting on 15 February 2021, Council adopted a community safety report that strengthens Council's position for a safer Cardinia through:
- Reiterating Council's view that violence will not be tolerated in respect to all Cardinia residents
- Advocating for increased police resources for our growing shire including a request for specialist officers such as Victoria Police Youth Resources Officers, Multicultural Liaison Officers, Aboriginal Community Liaison Officers, Family Violence Liaison Officers, and mental health portfolio holders
- Supporting the Victoria Police Cardinia Police Connections program which provides an opportunity for residents to advise police about any safety concerns, safety improvement ideas, and gives residents a greater voice in Victoria Police's ongoing efforts in creating a safer community
- Advocating for increased youth programs to be available within Cardinia Shire as a way of connecting with youth, increasing engagement, and decreasing disengagement and crime activity
- Seeking community safety funding through a variety of grant opportunities
- Increasing communications to the community on what is a safer community and how we can all work towards creating a safer Cardinia
The report follows Council's 'Building a Safer Cardinia – Round Table' held on 8 February 2021 to hear the concerns of community leaders about criminal activity and to discuss positive actions to create a safer Cardinia Shire.
Cardinia Shire Council Deputy Mayor Councillor Jeff Springfield said the people of Cardinia Shire deserve to feel safe in their own neighbourhoods.
"Council calls on the Victorian Government to add policing resources to the growing Cardinia Shire area. Our population has grown by around 66% in the last ten years and will continue to grow at a fast pace. The Victorian Government needs to give more consideration to population in their planning for policing and emergency services resourcing. The current level of police resources is just not good enough to address the escalating issues we are facing."
Cr Springfield said building a safe community is a multifaceted issue that requires a whole of community response.
"A safer Cardinia is a quality-of-life issue which affects everyone and for whom everyone is responsible.
"It's vitally important that we work together to focus on creating a safer community at all levels.
"We want people to feel safe in their homes, schools, workplaces and in our open spaces so that everyone can participate fully in community life.
"Council has committed to taking proactive steps to advocate for more resources for our community, seek more funding for community safety projects, and increase communications on how we can work together for a safer Cardinia," Cr Springfield said.
Council acknowledges Victoria Police's response to incidents and if you see an act of violence, call Triple Zero (000).
Anyone with information about recent incidents is encouraged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or online at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au/report-a-crime
