Working together for a Safe and Inclusive Community
Published on 25 March 2022
Frankston City Council is developing a Safe Community Policy and Strategy in consultation with the community to identify key priorities for crime prevention and safety over the next 10 years.
Mayor Nathan Conroy said we all have a role in making our community safer.
“We encourage a whole of community approach to identify the key priorities and areas of focus for community safety and crime prevention in Frankston City over the next 10 years.
“We know locals and visitors love getting out and about in Frankston City, however some things can impact our feeling of safety and belonging.
“Our sense of safety can be impacted by experiences of crime, family violence, mental health issues, gambling, alcohol and drug issues and a loss of community connection,” the Mayor said.
North West Ward Cr Sue Baker said: “Experiences of racism, homophobia, bullying, abuse or hate crimes can also impact our health and wellbeing. Every opinion counts and there are several ways people can provide feedback on what’s important for them.
“You may see our engagement staff out and about – I encourage you to share your feedback with them. You can also complete the survey online by 3 April, 2022.
“You may want us to focus on encouraging safer public spaces through urban design, building community resilience to natural disasters or creating inclusive and connected communities.
“Tell us what you think and go into the draw to win one of two double passes (age 15 plus) to attend the Melbourne International Comedy Festival Roadshow at Frankston Arts Centre,” Cr Baker said.
Council Director Communities, Angela Hughes, said previous community consultation and current research on community safety and crime prevention had been taken into consideration when developing the six key focus areas for the Safe Community Policy and Strategy development.
“We have included key themes from other engagement feedback including the need for safe and resilient communities, safe places and spaces, harm reduction, safe and respectful relationships, reducing homelessness and safe and inclusive communities.
“During 2020 we undertook a deliberative engagement process to develop the Frankston City Community Vision 2040. Our community told us a socially connected, welcoming and inclusive community was highly valued.
“A safe City with vibrant public spaces, a signature city centre and more opportunities for walking and cycling were also seen as important.
“We reviewed community safety feedback from the 2021 Community Satisfaction Survey and 2021 Household Survey, the development of the Council Plan and Budget 2021-2025, Health and Wellbeing Plan 2021-2025, Lighting Frankston Plan 2021, Play Strategy 2021 and Outdoor Dining trial.
“By gathering this information, we can now test it with the community to ensure it is the most up to date and relevant policy and strategy that will help strengthen the safety and resilience of our communities, help prevent crime and reduce the impact of emergencies”, she said.
Mayor Conroy encouraged all community members to have their say and be in the running to win free tickets.
“We will be relying on our community to tell us about their experiences of living, working and visiting our City to ensure that our policy and strategy has a real impact.”
To find out more about the Safe Community Policy and Strategy and to complete the survey by 3 April 2022, please visit https://engage.frankston.vic.gov.au/a-safer-community