Councils, police look to stronger relationship

REGIONAL councils have moved to establish a stronger working relationship with police in a bid to improve community safety.

Regional Cities Victoria (RCV), which represents Victoria’s 10 largest regional municipalities including Ballarat and Bendigo, met virtually with Victoria Police Chief Commissioner Mike Bush last month to brief him on what it describes as growing concerns about community safety.

It told Mr Bush that a sharp rise in youth crime and antisocial behaviour in public places were priority issues.

RCV chair and Greater Shepparton mayor, Cr Shane Sali, said local leaders were hearing increasing concerns from residents and businesses about escalating crime and safety issues.

Cr Sali said the alliance used the meeting to discuss practical steps that councils and police can undertake together to restore community confidence and safety.

“Community safety is now one of the biggest concerns of our regional cities,” he said.

“Regional councils are on the frontline of rising crime.

“We’re ready to partner with police on prevention, but we need assurance that regional policing resources keep pace with the scale and complexity of what we’re seeing on the ground.”

Cr Sali said persistent antisocial behaviour around public transport hubs and malls remains “a significant concern”.

“Localised policing programs and place-based initiatives have had success when resourced, but they often lapse once operational priorities shift elsewhere,” he said.

“Visible, sustained policing works.”

RCV member councils discussed stronger partnerships with Victoria Police, including potential for daytime roles of Protective Services Officers and ensuring adequate police staffing in regional centres.

The organisation has also been seeking advice on measures to protect regional traders from an increasing threat of tobacco-related arson and theft.

Cr Sali said the RCV welcomed Mr Bush’s willingness to engage on the issues and his commitment to a regional focus.

“This is an important chance to ensure the Chief Commissioner has a regional perspective for the work he has ahead of him resetting the agenda for community safety in Victoria,” he said.

“We will extend an invitation for the commissioner to visit each of our regional cities and discuss local initiatives that build safer, stronger, more confident communities.”

DARREN McLEAN