Media Releases

The Victorian Coalition Government has awarded Greater Shepparton City Council a $250,000 local crime prevention grant, State Member for Shepparton Jeanette Powell announced today.

Mrs Powell said she was pleased the council had received funding under the government program to develop a 23-camera CCTV system for the Shepparton CBD.

“I have been calling for security cameras for many years because of the anti-social behaviour in the CBD and I am delighted that our government has listened.

“The camera system will be used as part of a multifaceted approach to reduce crime and anti-social behaviour and improve community confidence in their safety in Shepparton,” Mrs Powell said.

“Over the years people have complained to me about anti-social behaviour in Shepparton’s CBD, so any steps that can be taken to improve safety are steps in the right direction.”

“The majority of people do the right thing but we want this majority to feel safer by stamping out the poor behaviour of a few.”

Crime Prevention Minister Andrew McIntosh said applications for the crime prevention grants were highly competitive, with more than 100 applicants received from councils across the state.

“Action on community safety and crime prevention is a high priority for the Coalition Government and these grants will help to make communities across Victoria safer,” Mr McIntosh said.

“The use of these security cameras will assist in identifying those who commit crimes or behave in an anti-social manner, and hopefully will act as a deterrent,” Mrs Powell said.

Member for Shepparton Jeanette Powell today announced three projects that have received funding under the State Government’s Community Safety Fund grants program.

Greater Shepparton City Council received $7852.78 for a security system at the Shepparton Youth Club hall, and $9950 to install lighting at Shepparton’s Stewart St carpark.

Mooroopna Park Primary School will receive $10,000 to install Crimesafe school windows.

The Community Safety Fund grants are part of the Coalition Government’s four-year $39 million Community Crime Prevention Program, committed to supporting community action on crime prevention to help make communities across Victoria safer.

Mrs Powell said the funding will improve security and reduce the risk of theft, vandalism and anti-social behaviour at community assets.

“The lights at the Stewart Street car park will increase visibility and safety in the area,” Mrs Powell said.

“The new windows at Mooroopna Park Primary School will deter theft and damage to school property.

“These improvements will provide safer and more secure facilities in our district,” Mrs Powell said.

Minister for Crime Prevention Andrew McIntosh said Community Safety Grants were about finding community solutions for community problems.

“Through these grants, the Coalition Government is empowering communities to decide what’s best for them, and giving them funding to make those solutions a reality,” Mr McIntosh said.

“The Coalition Government recognises that local communities are best placed to identify and prioritise issues of concern regarding local crime and safety and is committed to supporting them to do so.”