Bell Street Mall will have its safety features further upgraded under a re-elected Turnbull Liberal Government.
Following an announcement last month of a $440,000 safety upgrade to the Bell Street Mall, Senator the Hon Scott Ryan, Minister for Vocational Education and Skills and Liberal Senator for Victoria, joined Liberal candidate for Jagajaga, David Mulholland, at the Bell Street Mall Traders Association Ramadan Iftar dinner on Friday evening to announce a further $75,000 for CCTV upgrades in the Mall.
The funding will come from the Turnbull Coalition Government’s $40 million Safer Communities Fund.
Mr Mulholland said he has been campaigning hard with the local community to secure the funding needed to make the area more family-friendly.
“In May, I brought Justice Minister Michael Keenan to the Bell Street Mall and he announced $440,000 in funding to improve the amenity of the area, including new toilets, general beautification and a recreation for children and young people,” David said.
“I am pleased to be back here today, and welcome the announcement of a further $75,000 for an essential CCTV upgrade if the Liberal Government is re-elected.
“This goes to show the power of a strong traders association and a strong community, who have worked together to make the area safer and more pleasant for all,” David said.
“Traders, shoppers and the local police all agree additional CCTV will deter crime and anti-social behaviour in the mall,” Senator Ryan said.
“I am pleased that the local community has come together to improve the safety and amenity of this important shopping area.”
The Safer Communities Fund delivers on the Coalition’s ongoing commitment to keep Australians safe and secure.
Only safe communities can be strong and prosperous, and the best way to tackle crime and anti-social behaviour is to prevent it happening.
The $40 million Safer Communities Fund will consist of two streams.
• Stream one will boost the efforts of identified local governments and community organisations to address crime and anti-social behaviour by funding crime prevention initiatives (such as fixed and mobile CCTV and lighting).
• Stream two will boost efforts to protect schools, pre-schools and community organisations that are facing security risks associated with racial or religious intolerance.
This new $40 million fund will build on the previous work the Coalition undertook during Government through the Safer Streets Programme and the Schools Security Programme.
Senator Ryan said the Coalition’s record on community safety is strong.
“We have committed more than $100 million to assist local communities address crime and antisocial behaviour, because we know that it’s local communities who know what’s best for their neighbourhood.
“We will continue to put funds towards projects that make our streets, communities and our nation safer,” Senator Ryan said.