28/7/05
The Shire of Meekatharra was today presented with a grant for $22,000 to reduce the effects of alcohol and substance abuse within the Shire.
The ‘Meekatharra Alcohol and Substance Abuse Project’ will include the review and identification of current resources, services and referral process along with the development of co-ordinated whole-of-community approaches and continued training for persons serving alcohol, along with awareness and education campaigns.
Local Government and Regional Development Minister and local member John Bowler congratulated the shire on taking a lead role in the development of the plan and working with families, schools, community groups and agencies to identify local crime issues and implement new initiatives to reduce opportunities for crime.
“Local government is in the best position to work closely with their community to identify the fundamental causes of local crime, determine ways to improve community safety and tailor the most effective solutions,” Mr Bowler said.
The issue of alcohol and substance abuse was acknowledged as the key priority with the Shire of Meekatharra, through the Community Safety Crime Prevention Partnership with State Government.
Meekatharra is the first local government to have its Community Safety and Crime Prevention Plan developed and endorsed by the State Government.
The Meekatharra plan identified six priorities, including targeting alcohol and substance abuse and creating a local working party to address sentencing. The council will also focus on adopting a town code of conduct, establishing a collaborative approach to social welfare issues, increasing community policing and visibility, and increasing youth, social and recreational activities.
Mr Bowler said partnerships like this demonstrated that State and local governments could work together to tackle a whole range of community safety and crime issues.
“More than 60 local governments have established partnership agreements with the State and more than $1million in grants is being made available to local government for programs that aim to prevent or reduce crime and anti-social behaviour, improve safety and security, and reduce the fear of crime,” he said.
Minister's office: 9213 6500
