Benjamin Millar
Melton residents will have their say in how $700,000 of state government funding will be spent on improving community safety and tackling the root causes of crime.
Crime Prevention Minister Natalie Hutchins announced the funding for Melton as part of the Empowering Communities Program.
The Department of Justice and Community Safety allocated up to $700,000 over three years for crime prevention and community safety initiatives.
Representatives from the area’s community organisations and services have formed a project action group to devise and outline the initiatives before presenting them to the minister for final sign off.
A Building Safer Communities Forum held in Melton in March gave locals the chance to come together to discuss their concerns on crime and safety issues.
Ms Hutchins said the grant will help address concerns raised at the forum and follows recent investment in crime prevention in Melton, including the redevelopment of ‘Little Blind Creek’ to create a playground, exercise equipment, park seating and picnic tables.
“This grant will give Melton residents the resources and support to tackle important community safety issues identified at the Building Safer Communities forum,” she said.
Melton mayor Kathy Majdlik said she is looking forward to seeing the outcomes of the program.
“Community safety is a critically important priority for council and it’s great to see community representatives coming together to pinpoint where this funding is most needed,” she said.
“Having this opportunity in the City of Melton is a real win for our residents and I look forward to seeing what projects will be rolled out and the impact they’ll have on the local area.”
Cr Majdlik said the council has helped establish the project action group and will continue to support the project by facilitating a series of workshops with the group.
Benjamin Millar
