The Andrews Labor Government is backing local ideas to improve community safety and tackle the root causes of crime in the City of Melton, as part of a major crime prevention funding boost.

Minister for Crime Prevention Natalie Hutchins today announced that the City of Melton would be a local government Crime Prevention partner as part of the Government’s Building Safer Communities Program

The partnership will result in $700,000 in grants being spent on crime prevention programs determined by the local community.

A Building Safer Communities Forum was held in the City of Melton in March, providing locals with the opportunity to come together to discuss their concerns on crime and safety issues.

The Empowering Communities Grant builds on the local concerns raised at the forum and on the Government’s recent investment in crime prevention in Melton, including the redevelopment of local parkland ‘Little Blind Creek’ to create a playground, exercise equipment, park seating and picnic tables.

Feedback shows that community driven initiatives work when communities have the resources to identify and address the local issues which matter most to them.

The Labor Government has invested more than $1.77 million in nine crime prevention projects in the Melton local government area through the Community Crime Prevention Program since 2015.

The Government has invested $11 million into the Building Safer Communities Program through the Victorian Budget 2020/21 and will support additional community led initiatives as part of a further $19.8 million investment in crime prevention through this year’s budget.

Applications for the next round of competitive grants will open in November. For more information go to crimeprevention.vic.gov.au

Quote attributable to Minister for Crime Prevention Natalie Hutchins

This grant will give Melton residents the resources and support to tackle important community safety issues identified at the Building Safer Communities forum.”

 Quote attributable to Member for Melton Steve McGhie

“Local residents and councils understand their community better than anyone else, that is why this grant will directly support the Melton community”