The Shire of Broome’s Community Safety Plan delivers

Published on 27 June 2025

As the Shire of Broome’s four-year Community Safety Plan draws to a close, Council is reflecting on the progress made in creating a safer and more connected community.

The plan, which was developed through extensive community consultation in 2020, has guided local efforts since 2021 to address safety concerns and improve wellbeing across the Shire.

It has also highlighted the Shire's many roles, whether through advocacy, partnership, coordination, or hands-on action.

Shire President Chris Mitchell said the outcomes achieved over the past four years demonstrated the strength of collaboration and the value of local leadership.

“Our Community Safety Plan has provided a strong foundation for practical, effective change,” Cr Mitchell said.

“By working with local partners, advocating to other levels of government, and taking direct action, we’ve been able to tackle complex safety issues and improve outcomes.”

Key achievements include:

Discarded needle pick up program – Advocacy by the Shire resulted in the implementation of a formal needle exchange program and funding from the WA Mental Health Commission to appoint a full-time needle collection officer to improve community health and safety.
Police presence – The Shire partnered with the Kimberley Regional Group to advocate for a stronger police presence across the region. This advocacy contributed to the launch of Operation Regional Shield, which has seen additional police deployed throughout the Kimberley
Youth Support – A two-year youth engagement initiative, the Sporting Chance Program, was launched in June 2023 with funding secured from the Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries, the Department of Justice, and the Kimberley Development Commission (KDC). An additional funding was later secured from KDC to extend the program to remote communities.
On the ground actions – Joint patrols involving Shire Rangers, WA Police, and the Shire’s Clean-Up Crew in high-use public areas such as Male Oval and Guwarri Town Beach have helped enhance the amenities of these shared community spaces.
Infrastructure improvements – Significant upgrades to public lighting in key areas and enhancements to the CCTV network in locations like Chinatown and the Skate Park have improved visibility and security across the town.

A key contributor to the success of the Plan has been the Community Safety Working Group, comprising key stakeholders and dedicated community members.

The group has played an essential role in reviewing actions, providing ongoing feedback, and serving as a link between the Shire and the wider community.

Their involvement has also been instrumental in shaping the development of the next Community Safety Plan. Following a recent round of public consultation—which included workshops, online surveys, and opportunities to comment on the draft—the updated strategy is now being finalised and will be presented to Council for adoption at an upcoming Ordinary Meeting.

Shire President Chris Mitchell said that while the 2021–2025 Plan is drawing to a close, the Shire’s commitment to community safety remains strong.

“Our role is to keep bringing people together, keep pushing for what our community needs, and keep making Broome a safe, vibrant place for everyone.”