10/09/2025
The biggest delay to addressing crime issues would be waiting over a year to prepare a very expensive glossy plan, and maybe longer again to secure grant funding to try to start implementing any identified options, most of which are obvious and already well known. Less ‘art’, better lighting, better CCTV, better policing, awareness programs, youth programs, etc…
Plan done!!!
Tamworth was used as an example of best practice. If you rely on Google AI, you would probably agree. However, if you put in a bit of effort to check BOCSAR local government area crime statistics, you would not want to go near Tamworth.
Lismore’s crime statistics look much better across most categories, with one notable exception. Intimidating behaviour is on the rise in Lismore, probably due to decreased population and foot traffic not acting as deterrents, resulting in the problems appearing more prevalent.
Our Richmond Local Area Command is doing a great job addressing most of our crime issues, and it will continue to improve with so many new police recruits. High visibility policing and targeted programs will also see noticeable improvements where needed.
Mental health support will assist with many anti-social behaviour concerns, something way beyond council’s responsibilities. Housing will also see many problems resolved, also not council’s job.
Increasing ranger patrols to act as an additional deterrent has already occurred and will continue to improve. We don’t need to wait for a another ridiculously expensive glossy plan which will only collect dust like so many others.
Urgent action does not involve delayed expensive planning draining scarce council resources, ratepayers’ shout, with no guarantee of extra funding to follow. It requires actual action. Supporting police, calling for more resources, and spending 100% of tied funding grants for lights and CCTV on their intended purpose instead of ’art’ would be a great start.
Last week it was all about the PACER program. This week it is all about crime prevention plans. Who know’s what will be used to attract self promoting media attention next week?
The Labor Party is in government at both the State and Federal level. They need to do better. We tried a crime prevention plan previously. It didn’t work. Local government Labor Party Councillor Dalton-Earls can do better.
Our community does deserve better!!!
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