By GEORGIA WESTGARTH
CASEY’S growth in population and crime is almost unrivalled in Victoria but recent State Government project grants to tackle the crime wave have left the region’s Neighbourhood Watch dissatisfied.
Acting Police Minister Robin Scott opened the latest round of community safety fund grants on Thursday 19 May and encouraged councils and community groups to apply.
However Casey Neighbourhood Watch (CNW) chairperson Robert Ward said the $10,000 grants to boost security and tackle suburban crime won’t help CNW, calling them limiting.
“It is disappointing to see an opportunity missed in this budget to reinstate or continue past support for a highly effective community group such as Neighbourhood Watch,” Mr Ward said.
The initiative provides funding for councils and not-for-profit community groups to deliver projects to help prevent crime, improve safety and strengthen community engagement, which reflects the Neighbourhood Watch message.
But Mr Ward said: “The fact that it is ‘project based’ does not support the management and leadership of effective community based groups such as NHW Victoria.”
“Everybody deserves to feel safe, and Neighbourhood Watch delivers benefits to the whole community far in excess of any investment the government might make towards the running of organisations of this kind that maximise community involvement.”
Under the Victorian budget $19.4 million has been invested into community crime prevention.
Acting Police Minister Robin Scott said the grants are about community safety at a local level.
“These grants will help shape a better future for councils and their residents, allowing community groups to continue their valuable work,” Mr Scott said.
In just 16 days this month four violent street robberies and attempts at stealing a pedestrian’s phone, wallet or electrical goods were reported to Casey police.
Mr Ward said CNW will look to partner with Casey council and the Victorian Government to improve personal safety in the region despite the disappointing project based grants.
Councils and community groups have until 4pm on Friday 1 July to apply.
For further information about the grants, including guidelines for applicants, visit crimeprevention.vic.gov.au.
