Shire of Broome holds constructive Community Safety Forum

Published on 10 December 2020

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Broome residents were joined by State politicians, key Government Department personnel and senior WA Police representatives at a Community Safety Forum at the Broome Civic Centre on Monday night.

The meeting was organised to address concerns around public safety and will also feed into the Shire’s engagement process seeking feedback on the Draft Community Safety Plan 2021-2025.

The Broome community turned out in significant numbers with a packed house nearing 300 and had the chance to hear from WA Treasurer Ben Wyatt and Opposition Leader Zak Kirkup.

The evening’s panel was made up of Shire of Broome president Harold Tracey and regional Government heads from WA Police, Department of Justice, Department of Communities, Department of Education, Department of Health and Kimberley Aboriginal Medical Services.

Members of the public had the chance to ask questions of the panel directly and provide their feedback on potential solutions.

The meeting was concluded by Minister Wyatt, with an indication the State Government would pledge to assist the region and Shire by considering a range of proposals to help produce positive change.

Cr Tracey said public safety was a community-wide responsibility and the forum was a constructive step in driving improvements.

“I’d like to thank everyone that attended on Monday night – especially the panel and Members of Parliament for giving up their time to hear directly from the Broome community,” he said.

“Residents are clearly frustrated and fed up – I completely understand, and I share those emotions.

“Moving forward, the Shire will be using the momentum of the meeting to present the community’s wishes to the relevant Government Departments and Ministers in the hope of being able to offer improved and increased services and solutions.

“This is such a complex issue that requires collaboration across various agencies and the buy-in of the whole community. “The Shire is committed to helping to continue that push, which will play a role in dealing with the social issues facing our town.”

The Community Safety Forum video and details of the questions and subsequent answers provided on the night will be available on the Shire of Broome website soon.

The panel members will be meeting in coming weeks to review the feedback on the night and discuss an appropriate response to the community.

To have your say on public safety and crime, and to have an input on the development of the Shire’s Draft Community Safety Plan 2021-2025, click here.

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