Libs pledge funds to prevent youth crime

LIBERAL Party candidate for Ballarat, Paula Doran, has announced that if the Coalition wins the Federal election, $165,000 will be allocated to an outreach program at Little Bridge Street.

The program, which is run by City of Ballarat in partnership with the Ballarat Police and Citizens Youth Club, includes a weekly barbeque at the bus interchange.

The aim of the initiative is to establish connections with young people and provide referral access to services within the community.

“It’s a cross cohesive program that’s really going to build back the heart in this area which has really suffered in recent years,” Ms Doran said.

“We know that public safety is a real issue, we’ve had buses diverting at a certain time of day to avoid the anti-social behaviour, that’s just not good enough.”

Retired police officer Garry Pilmore said the Little Bridge Street Bus Interchange is a place where young people converge and that there is widespread concern about anti-social behaviour.

The additional funding will allow the program to expand and employ youth workers.

“One of the objectives we have is to grow our organisation here in Ballarat to the likes of what exists in St Kilda,” Mr Pilmore said.

“To have youth workers to engage with young people and really achieve the objectives of what we’re on about, and that’s trying to create opportunities for young people who wouldn’t otherwise have those opportunities.”

Ms Doran was joined by Brad Battin, leader of the Victorian opposition at Little Bridge Street last week to make the announcement.

Mr Battin said it is critical to take a prevention approach to youth crime.

“At the end of the day, every time you’re reacting to something there’s already a victim,” he said.

“When we talk about lowering crime, it’s actually about having less victims in the state.”