By PETER DOUGLAS
IT WAS a whirlwind visit for Foreign Minister Julie Bishop, who initially visited La Trobe to announce funds for CCTV around the Belgrave commercial precinct, upon the re-election of the Turnbull Government.
But she quickly found herself amid a CFA rally within the town, during which CFA volunteers voiced their concerns over the recent enterprise bargaining agreement.
However, Ms Bishop and her Liberal colleague, La Trobe MP Jason Wood, successfully announced $84,500 for CCTV to deter anti-social behaviour in the area.
Mr Wood said the funds would contribute greatly to safety within the region.
“Everyone has a right to gather safely in their community spaces, and this includes our shopping strips,” said Mr Wood.
The funding has been committed under the Coalition’s $40 million Safer Communities Fund and delivery of the project will be facilitated by the Belgrave Traders Association.
The Safer Communities Fund delivers on the Coalition’s ongoing commitment to keep Australians safe and secure.
Only safe communities can be strong and prosperous, and the best way to tackle crime and anti-social behaviour is to prevent it happening.
The Safer Communities Fund consists of two streams:
Stream one will boost the efforts of identified local governments and community organisations to address crime and anti-social behaviour by funding crime-prevention initiatives (such as fixed and mobile CCTV and lighting).
Stream two will boost efforts to protect schools, pre-schools and community organisations that are facing security risks associated with racial or religious intolerance.
This new fund will build on the previous work the Coalition undertook through the Safer Streets Program and the Schools Security Program.
Minister Julie Bishop said the Coalition’s record demonstrated its strong commitment to community safety initiatives.
“The Coalition has now committed more than $100 million to assist local communities in delivering strategies to address crime and anti-social behaviour,” Minister Bishop said.
“We will continue to invest in projects that make our streets, communities and our nation safer.”
