CONCERNS raised by residents about community safety have prompted discussion about how Cabonne Council can work alongside New South Wales Police and local communities to support safer towns.
At the Cabonne Council Community, Economy and Culture Committee meeting on 14 July, Cr Aaron Pearson presented a notice of motion seeking to explore the municipality’s role in safety initiatives, including advocacy, partnerships and public education.
Cr Pearson said community safety was an issue many residents cared about and suggested a collaborative approach involving council, NSW Police, community organisations, and residents.
“Community safety is an issue that many residents care about,” Cr Pearson said. “What role can council play in safer communities?”
Discussion included the possibility of supporting a revival of neighbourhood watch-style initiatives, although it was noted such programs would need to be community-led rather than established or operated by the municipality.
“It wouldn’t be council responsibility, it would be a community responsibility, but we work in collaboration with the community and progress associations,” Cr Pearson said.
He also said some residents had expressed frustration about difficulties accessing timely information or responses regarding police matters.
“Given the limited resources, they sometimes don’t hear back from police until a day or two later, and they come to me, frustrated,” Cr Pearson said.
Committee members also supported inviting representatives from NSW Police to address council and provide councillors with greater insight into local community safety issues and opportunities for collaboration.
Cr Pearson said he had previously advocated for additional police resources in the region but was advised that crime statistics did not support further allocation at that time.
“A couple of years ago … I did also advocate for additional police in the area, and it did come back from the minister that the stats just didn’t warrant it,” he said.
The discussion also highlighted that neighbourhood watch programs traditionally operate at a local level and may face challenges in smaller regional communities where residents are spread across multiple villages.
While the committee’s support does not establish a new community safety program, members did seek to continue conversations between Cabonne Council, police, and the community about practical approaches to improving community connection and safety awareness.