Rising concerns over community safety in the Morwell central business district have prompted action after extensive lobbying from The Nationals’ Member for Morwell, Martin Cameron.
Mr Cameron has written to the Minister for Police and Chief Commissioner of Police on several occasions, sharing reports from business owners, shoppers and public transport commuters who feel increasingly unsafe in the Morwell CBD.
“We have a serious problem with anti-social behaviour in the Morwell town centre and it’s having a disastrous impact on small businesses, but more importantly, community safety,” Mr Cameron said.
“Every day my office is contacted by business owners and retailers at their wits’ end, after yet another instance of theft, vandalism, and in some cases serious assault.
“The Minister has advised local police are planning an operation to crack down on anti-social behaviour in Morwell, especially around the Morwell train station and bus interchange.
“I’m also told local police have been advised to use move-on powers and provide a prompt response to any reports of concerning behaviour.
“I’ve been raising the need for more police resources and a dedicated presence protective services officers (PSOs) at Morwell and other regional train stations for two years, and those issues still haven’t been addressed.
“The Morwell electorate has the highest crime rate of any municipality in Victoria outside of metropolitan Melbourne, and now business owners and residents are telling us they don’t feel safe.
“The Allan Labor Government is not doing enough to address rising crime which has been exacerbated by over 1000 vacancies in Victoria Police, weakened bail laws, and scrapping of the Minister for Crime Prevention.
“Residents feel scared, and Labor needs to start listening to Victorian communities and prioritising their safety.”
