Fraser Coast takes action on crime

Police Minister Jack Dempsey has launched an action plan for the Fraser Coast, that will tackle crime and set out a strategy to help make the area a safer place to visit, work and play.

Mr Dempsey said the action plan is a joint initiative between Member for Hervey Bay Ted Sorensen, Member for Maryborough Anne Maddern, Maryborough Police District, Fraser Coast Regional Council, the Hervey Bay Chamber of Commerce and the Maryborough Chamber of Commerce.

“The Fraser Coast is a magnificent place to visit and I commend these groups for being proactive in help make the region even safer,” Mr Dempsey said.

“The State Government is committed to providing more police to towns likes Maryborough and Hervey Bay and will be providing an additional 1,100 officers across the state over four years.

“This means that more police will be seen on the beat in areas like the Fraser Coast.

“Police will be working more directly with communities as well, with the State Government also providing $1 million to help revitalise Neighbourhood Watch and Crime Stoppers.

“Police have already begun to communicate with the online community in the region with myPolice Maryborough which contains information about safety and already has led to the capture of some offenders after CCTV stills were posted.”

Mr Sorensen said the Plan had been devised to bring the community together to reduce crime.

“The State Government has already thrown its support behind the action plan and I will continue to work with Mr Dempsey to deliver what Hervey Bay needs,” Mr Sorensen said.

“This plan is about striving to make the Fraser Coast an even better place to live and visit.”

Mrs Maddern said as local members, she and Mr Sorensen would also be doing all they could to help with the action plan.

“Neighbourhood Watch Groups form a very important part of the Crime Action Plan in Maryborough and, to support their work, my office can assist in many areas, including the photocopying of newsletters and information sheets,” Mrs Maddern said.

“I look forward to working with the community to help make Fraser Coast shine.”

[ENDS] 23 January 2013

Media Contacts: Lea Emery 0417 226 114