RCV met with Victoria Police Chief Commissioner Mike Bush on Thursday, October 16 to brief him on growing community safety concerns across regional Victoria.
RCV chair and City of Greater Shepparton Mayor Shane Sali said local leaders were hearing growing concerns from residents and businesses about escalating crime and safety issues.
He said practical steps councils and police could undertake together to restore community confidence and safety would be discussed during the meeting.
“Community safety is now one of the biggest concerns of our regional cities,” Cr Sali 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 localised policing programs and place-based initiatives have had success when resourced, but they often lapse once operational priorities shift elsewhere.
RCV councils will discuss stronger partnerships with police, including potential for daytime roles of protective services officers and ensuring adequate police staffing in growing regional centres.
RCV is also seeking advice on measures to protect regional traders from the increasing threat of tobacco-related arson and theft.
Cr Sali said RCV welcomed the chief commissioner’s early engagement and 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.”
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