New advisory committee to guide community safety
Date published: 14 December 2016
Townsville City Council is bringing together likeminded organisations to develop a collaborative approach to local community safety.
A meeting of full council yesterday approved terms of reference to guide the Community Safety and Advisory Committee that will comprise representatives from 17 local organisations as well as council.
Committee chairman Cr Russ Cook said the group would work collaboratively, promoting community safety and creating a voice for the Townsville Community.
"This is an exciting opportunity to bring together law enforcement agencies, emergency services and relevant community organisations to work together to promote safety and crime prevention in the city,” Cr Cook said.
"It makes sense to have appropriately qualified, locally based organisations collaborating on issues of public safety, amenity, emergency response and crime related matters.
"By developing an all agency approach to community safety, we will enhance information sharing, dispel rumours and more accurately determine real local safety issues and how to best manage them.”
Development of the advisory group supports Mayor Jenny Hill’s City Safe election policy.
"It is important that we show leadership and provide appropriate support to local law enforcement in order to enhance the safety, and protect the amenity of our city,” Cr Hill said.
“We also hope to assist in identifying, and offering advice on current and emerging community safety and crime prevention concerns within the community, providing feedback on council projects and initiatives relevant to the community.”
The role of the committee is to:
- Support and strengthen the link between community safety and crime prevention groups/organisations and Townsville City Council;
- Provide a process for input and feedback regarding the planning and provision of services, facilities and programs relating to community safety and crime prevention;
- Inform council on matters of community safety and crime prevention concerns which may require Council support or Council response;
- To determine a unified and co-ordinated approach to specific issues in the achievement of a healthier and safer city;
- Promote the awareness of community safety in the community through the support and monitoring of the development of a culture of community safety and crime prevention.
