29/5/06
Community Safety Minister John Kobelke today gave more than $46,000 towards Reachout, a new mobile youth service for the Geraldton region.
Reachout is a joint initiative between the City of Geraldton and Shires of Chapman Valley and Greenough, and is one of the outcomes of the new Greater Geraldton Community Safety and Crime Prevention Plan.
"The Greater Geraldton plan was developed to improve safety and reduce crime in the region," Mr Kobelke said.
"It identifies local issues and lays the foundation for addressing these in a structured and collaborative manner."
The plan identifies a number of local priorities including the need to:
- reduce anti-social behaviour by youth congregating in the CBD, West End and public places;
- reduce community harm from use of drugs and alcohol;
- increase community safety in public places; and
- reduce burglary and break-ins.
The Reachout mobile youth service will provide a service to 'at risk' and marginalised youth aged under 18 years living in the Greater Geraldton region.
It will use partnerships which encourage the broader community to invest in their young people and the service.
"Partnership can achieve a great deal," Mr Kobelke said.
"With collaboration between the City of Geraldton, the Shires of Chapman Valley and Greenough, local police, government agencies and the community, we now have a plan to address community safety and prevent crime."
The Minister also gave a cheque to the Shire of Chapman Valley for $19,800. This funding will be used to help reduce the theft of council property and improve the ability of police to trace and prosecute those involved by using micro-dot identification of all council-owned tools, plant and equipment.
It is also proposed to upgrade security at the Nabawa shire offices, as well as improve surveillance of plant and equipment to reduce theft from these vehicles.
Mr Kobelke said the latest funding for Geraldton was just one element of a massive Government commitment to law and order.
"More than $3million in funding is being made available to local government and community groups throughout Western Australia," he said.
"This will fund programs to cut crime and anti-social behaviour, improve security and reduce the fear of crime.
"Across the State, more than 90 local governments, have established partnership agreements with the State Government to develop plans to tackle crime and anti-social behaviour and build safer communities."
Minister's office: 9222 9211
