Brimbank City Council Ordinary Council Meeting Agenda Officer Reports 22

Meeting No. 393 22 September 2015

Report 12.11 – Draft Brimbank Community Safety Strategy 2015-2019 Directorate: Community Wellbeing Director: Neil Whiteside Policy: Community Plan 2009-2030 (Updated 2013), Council Plan 2013- 2017 (Updated 2015), Community Safety Framework and Action Plan 2012-2015 Attachment: 1. Draft Community Safety Strategy 2015-2019 Purpose For Council to consider endorsing the draft Community Safety Strategy 2015-2019 (draft Strategy), at Attachment 1 to this report, for the purpose of community consultation, for a four (4) week period. Report 1. Background Council has formally recognised community safety as a priority since 2004, with the introduction of the Integrated Community Safety Plan 2004-2009, followed by the Community Safety Framework and Action Plan 2012-2015. A comprehensive process has been completed to inform the development of the new draft Strategy. This included a review of the outcomes of the Community Safety Framework and Action Plan 2012-2015, an environmental scan of other local government safety strategies, the current and trending safety data in Brimbank, feedback from internal and external consultation, and consideration of the community safety policy context. 2. Consultation To inform the development of the draft Strategy, community feedback was gathered from six (6) face-to-face consultations and surveys undertaken between 11 October and 20 November 2014. A stakeholder forum was held with the Brimbank Safety Roundtable and the Social Justice Coalition Strategic Implementation Group on 1 December 2014 (17 participants and 13 different agencies were represented). In total, 131 community members and stakeholders were consulted. Nine (9) other community consultations (included workshops and surveys) that were conducted between 2011 and 2014 were also reviewed, to identify safety priorities and issues raised. 3. Analysis The draft Strategy outlines Council’s strategic role and approach to building a safe, healthy and connected community. It aligns with the Community Plan 2009-2030 (Updated 2013) and Council Plan 2013-2017 (Updated 2015) strategic direction of Creating Safe, Healthy Communities. A comprehensive process was followed in the development of the draft Strategy to ensure it is: • Reflective of the issues that are important to the Brimbank community • Reflective of Council’s holistic approach to community safety and within the scope

and role of Council

Brimbank City Council Ordinary Council Meeting Agenda Officer Reports 23

Meeting No. 393 22 September 2015

Report 12.11 – Draft Brimbank Community Safety Strategy 2015-2019 (continued) • Informed by data, evidence-based approaches and aligns with the broader safety

policy context. As a result, four (4) Priority Areas for Action have been identified in the draft Strategy: • Injury Prevention: Prevent and reduce injuries as a result of road crashes (all road

users), falls/trips and other intentional or unintentional injuries • Crime Prevention: Prevent and reduce crime against the person, crime against

property and family violence • Alcohol and Other Drugs: Prevent and reduce alcohol and other drug related harm for

individuals and communities • Perceptions of Safety: Increase positive perceptions of safety in public places,

especially during the night and within activity centres and transport precincts. It is proposed, subject to Council endorsement, that the draft Strategy be made available for consultation during October 2015 (Community Safety Month). It will be available on the Council website and the community will be notified via local advertisements and social media. A facilitated community consultation session will also occur during this period. It is proposed the final Brimbank Community Safety Strategy (the Strategy) will be implemented over a four (4) year period, from 2015 to 2019. An annual internal Implementation Plan will be developed to support the implementation of the Strategy. The progress of actions will be monitored and reported through an annual Report Card. 4. Resource Implications The costs associated with the development and implementation of the draft Strategy is provided for in Council’s annual operating budget. Council’s operating budget includes in the order of $200,000 for community safety coordination (staffing) and specific community safety programs and projects. Over and above this specific allocation for community safety, Council also allocates substantial funding to various other Council departments (for example, City Compliance, Engineering, Planning, Urban Design, Youth Services) for the implementation of other direct or indirect community safety initiatives such as public realm upgrades, social inclusion and community connection programs and projects. 5. Compliance Statement This report has been prepared in accordance with the Brimbank Community Plan 2009-2030 (Updated 2013), Council Plan 2013-2017 (Updated 2015) and Community Safety Framework and Action Plan 2012-2015. 6. Officer Recommendation That Council: a. Endorses the Draft Community Safety Strategy 2015-2019, at

Attachment 1 to this report, for community consultation for a period of four (4) weeks, and invites written submissions.

b. Receives a further report detailing any submissions received during the

community consultation period, and presenting a final draft Brimbank Community Safety Strategy 2015-2019 for consideration.

Building a Safe Community Together

Draft Brimbank Community Safety Strategy 2015–2019

Attachment 1

2

3

Contents

1. Introduction - Building a Safe Community 4

2. Policy Context 8

3. Council and Community 10

4. Community Snapshot 12

5. Safety Snapshot 14

6. Principles 18

7. Approaches 19

8. Priority Areas for Action 20

Appendices:

Safety Partnerships and Networks

Review - Safety Achievements 2012-2015

Definitions

References

4

Brimbank City Council is committed to building a safe, healthy and connected community and recognises the importance of partnerships to achieve the best outcomes in safety.

A focus on safety

Brimbank City Council has formally recognised community safety as a priority since 2004 with the introduction of the Integrated Community Safety Plan 2004-2009, followed by the Community Safety Framework and Action Plan 2012-2015.

The Draft Community Safety Strategy 2015-2019 (Draft Strategy) demonstrates Brimbank City Council’s ongoing commitment to community safety. This four year strategy is part of a longer term vision for Brimbank as a safe, healthy and connected community. The Draft Strategy links with many other Council plans and initiatives including the Council Plan 2013-2017 and Community Plan 2009-2030 (updated 2013) which both promote “Creating Safe, Healthy Communities” as a strategic direction.

Community safety issues are complex and often stem from broader social and economic factors. Brimbank City Council recognises this and supports action to address the underlying causes that influence safety outcomes such as promoting social justice and equity and building a strong, connected community. Council also has a focus on creating quality urban environments that are safe, inviting and attractive and contribute to the overall liveability and wellbeing of the Brimbank community.

Whilst Council’s role in community safety is important, it is dependent on and requires the support of partnerships and collaboration with all levels of government, agencies and members of the Brimbank community. Council is represented on regional safety partnership groups and coordinates local safety partnerships through the strategic Brimbank Safety Roundtable and the local place-based Safety Working Groups. Collectively, these groups bring together stakeholders to collaborate on action towards community safety.

Introduction - Building a Safe Community

5

Safety action

The vision is to build a Safe Community that is:

A place that is attractive to live, work and visit;

A liveable community where people can go about their activities without fear or risk of harm or injury;

A happy and connected community where people participate and interact in community life.

The Draft Strategy identifies four Priority Areas for Action to focus community safety action and work towards this vision. These are reflective of the safety outcomes that are important to the Brimbank community and where Council can play a lead role.

Priority areas:

Injury Prevention: Prevent and reduce injuries as aresult of road crashes (all road users), falls/ trips andother intentional or unintentional injuries.

Crime Prevention: Prevent and reduce crime againstthe person, crime against property and familyviolence.

Alcohol and Other Drugs: Prevent and reduce alcoholand other drug related harm for individuals andcommunities.

Perceptions of Safety: Increase positive perceptions ofsafety in public places, especially during the night andwithin activity centres and transport precincts.

The Draft Strategy was developed after consultation with community and stakeholders and analysing safety trends in Brimbank, to ensure that the priority areas reflect the Brimbank community needs. In total, seven consultation sessions were conducted and nine previously conducted consultation sessions were reviewed to inform the safety priorities over the next four years.

An internal Implementation Plan will be developed annually to address the above Priority Areas and support the implementation of the Community Safety Strategy 2015-2019. The actions in the Implementation Plan will be reviewed and reported against annually to monitor efforts towards improving community safety in Brimbank.

A safe community is:

A place that is attractiveto live, work and visit.

A liveable community,where people can goabout their activitieswithout fear or risk ofharm or injury.

A happy and connectedcommunity wherepeople participate andinteract in communitylife.

6

Building the Strategy

In the development of the Draft Strategy, a comprehensive process was followed to ensure that the Draft Strategy is:

Reflective of the issues that are important to theBrimbank community .

Reflective of Council’s holistic approach tocommunity safety and is within the scope androle of Council.

Informed by data, evidence-based approachesand aligns with the broader safety policy context.

Activities undertaken by Council to inform the development of the Draft Strategy include:

Reviewed the outcomes of the previous strategyand developed a Report Card of the key actionsdelivered.

Conducted an environmental scan of thestructure and priorities of other LocalGovernment safety strategies.

Reviewed the current and trending safety data inBrimbank including injury, crime, road safety,alcohol and other drugs and perceptions ofsafety data.

Conducted an extensive consultation processthat included six consultation sessions withcommunity, one stakeholder consultation,internal consultations and the review of ninepreviously conducted consultation sessions.Further consultation opportunities will occurduring the public consultation phase prior to thefinalisation of the strategy.

Mapping of the local, state and internationalpolicy context in relation to community safety.

Mapping of current activities conducted byCouncil that have a role in improving communitysafety.

Ensured alignment with the internationallyrecognised Safe Communities framework.

7

8

Policy Context

Community Plan 2009 - 2030 (updated 2013)

Council Plan 2013 - 2017

Social Justice Charter

Community Safety Strategy 2015-2019

The Community Safety Strategy 2015-2019 guides

Brimbank City Council’s approach and actions

towards improving safety in Brimbank. The Priority

Areas include: Injury Prevention, Crime Prevention,

Perceptions of Safety and Alcohol and Other Drugs.

Brimbank City Council

Complimentary Strategies and Policies

Activity Centres Strategy 2008 (under review)

Age Friendly City Plan 2013 -2017

Disability Action Plan 2012 – 2016

Community Strengthening Policy 2014

Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) Policy for the Protection of

Council Assets (Operational)

Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) Systems in Public Places Policy

Creating Better Parks 2008

Cycling and Walking Strategy 2008

Errington Precinct Master Plan 2012

General Local Law 2008

Graffiti Management Framework 2012

Keilor Village Vision Document 2012

Municipal Public Health & Wellbeing Plan (embedded in the

Community Plan)

Municipal Strategic Statement

Planning Scheme (updated July 2015)

Plan to Prevent Violence Against Women 2015-2019 - Towards

Gender Equity

Road Management Plan

Road Safety Plan 2004-2009

Settlement Action Plan 2013-2017

Social Justice Charter 2012

St Albans Activity Area Structure Plan 2025 (developed 2011)

St Albans District Connections Strategy 2011

Sunshine Town Centre Business and Implementation Plan 2012-

2017

Sunshine Town Centre Structure Plan 2012

Sydenham Regional Activity Centre Structure Plan (revised 2009)

Urban Forest Strategy (draft)

Youth Strategy 2015-2019

The Community Plan 2009-2030 describes the

communities vision and priorities over a 20-year

period. It establishes a shared basis for joint planning,

service delivery and advocacy. “Creating Safe, Healthy

Communities” is a strategic direction in the

Community Plan.

The Council Plan 2013-2017 is Brimbank City Council’s

statement of purpose, values, key themes and

strategic objectives. It is directly aligned to the

Community Plan and provides a 4-year medium term

outlook whilst the Community Plan contains the long

term aspirations of the community.

The Brimbank Social Justice Charter expresses

Council’s commitment to the principles of access,

equity, community participation and human rights.

Council’s commitment to social justice responds

to issues of socio-economic disadvantage, social

exclusion and discrimination in our community.

The Draft Strategy aligns with and supports a number of local, state, national and international safety priorities,

approaches and policy.

9

Policy Context

State

Acts:

Building Act 1993

Liquor Control Reform Act 1998

Local Government Act 1989

Planning and Environment Act 1987

The Victorian Crimes Act 1958

Victorian Charter of Human Rights and Responsibilities Act

2006

Victorian Public Health and Wellbeing Act 2008

Policies:

Dept. of Health, Victorian Public Health and Wellbeing Plan

2011-2015

Dept. of Health, Reducing the alcohol and drug toll:

Victoria's plan 2013–2017

Dept. of Justice & Regulation Community Crime Prevention

Program

Dept. of Sustainability & Environment, Safer DesignGuidelines For Victoria 2005

Dept. of Sustainability & Environment, Activity CentreDesign Guidelines

Victorian Government, Plan Melbourne MetropolitanPlanning Strategy 2014

VicRoads, Victoria’s Road Safety Strategy 2013-2022 and

Action Plan 2013-2016

Victoria’s Road Safety Strategy 2013-2022

Victoria Police, Bluepaper: A Vision for Victoria Police in2025

Victoria Police, Blueprint 2012-2015

Victorian Ice Taskforce, Ice Action Plan March 2015

Victorian Planning Provisions 2006

VicHealth, Preventing Violence Against Women: AFramework for Action

Victoria Police, Road Safety Action Plan 2013-2018

Women's Health West, Preventing Violence TogetherAction Plan and Background Paper

National

Australian Government, National Binge Drinking Strategy,2008-09 to 2011-12

Australian Government, National Drug Strategy 2010-2015: A framework for action on alcohol, tobacco andother drugs

Australian Institute of Criminology, National Crime

Prevention Framework 2011

International

World Health Organisation, Safe Communities Model

10

It is up to everyone in the community to work together to build a safe and connected community. Brimbank City Council supports community safety through a broad range of ways and takes a leadership role through the areas outlined in the table below.

There are also some areas which are outside of Council’s role, for example, Council does not have the legislative power to enforce, detect or investigate crime. It is also not within Council’s role to treat injuries or other health issues.

Council and Community

Role What Council does

Policy Development Develops and implements local strategies, plans and policies that promote a

safe and connected community.

Urban Planning and

Community Facilities

Creates and maintains town centres and public places that are safe, enjoyable

and attractive and promote community interaction and wellbeing.

Provides social infrastructure such as libraries, reserves, sporting grounds,

leisure centres and neighbourhood houses that provide spaces for community

to connect, learn and be active.

Planning and Regulation Assesses planning permit applications for the use and development of land to

ensure it is in accordance with the Municipal Strategic Statement (MSS) within

the Brimbank Planning Scheme. This involves working with applicants to ensure

positive impact of amended permits or new developments. Safer design

principles are incorporated in the MSS.

Ensure compliance with the Brimbank General Local Law to provide for the safe

and fair use of Council property and public areas, protect public amenity and

address issues such as condition of land and animal management.

Partnerships and Advocacy Facilitates and participates in a range of partnership groups that aim to improve

infrastructure, health, social justice and wellbeing outcomes.

Community Engagement Supports and builds community capacity to participate in action towards

improving community safety. This may be through supporting leadership

programs, community consultation and partnership groups that consist of

members of the community.

Program and Information

Delivery

Delivers a range of programs and services for various community groups to

encourage community connection and promote safe and healthy lifestyles. This

may be delivered, for example, through direct programs, campaigns, forums/

events, place activation and through distributing information materials .

Emergency Management Plans and responds to emergency management.

11

Get friendly One of the best ways to improve safety and connection within your community is to get to know your neighbours. Neighbours that know each other, look out for each other. Consider hosting a neighbourhood event or simply introduce yourself to your neighbours.

Get involved Consider joining your local Safety Working Group to be involved in local initiatives to improve safety.

Get active The appearance of private buildings and property affects people’s perceptions of safety. Make sure your property presents well through regular maintenance, cleaning and litter removal.

Although Council plays an important role, it is up to everyone in the community to work together

Get reporting If you witness crime or see something suspicious, make sure you report it. Use the ‘Reporting an Issue’ guide to help you report any issue within your community ranging from emergency, crime and maintenance issues.

Get informed There are many resources available to help you improve safety at your home, business and community. Visit Council’s website for a list of helpful links.

For more ideas and further details, visit: www.brimbank.vic.gov.au

What our community can do

12

WHERE PEOPLE LIVE

(BY LOCAL AREA)

SYDENHAM - 25.4%

KEILOR - 5.6%

ST ALBANS - 25.5%

DEER PARK - 19.8%

SUNSHINE - 23.7%

COMMUNITY SNAPSHOT

The Community and Safety Snapshots provide an overview of

Brimbank’s demographics (e.g. who we are, where we live) and

how we are tracking in terms of safety (level of: injuries, crime,

alcohol and other drug-related issues, family violence; and how

safe we feel). The Snapshots help us understand the opportunities

and challenges to assist in safety planning in Brimbank.

197,701 RESIDENTS

*ERP 2014+

38% HOUSEHOLDS ARE

COUPLES WITH

CHILDREN

All statistics taken from ABS 2011 Census. Source: profile.id and ABS SEIFA Index of Relative Socio-economic Advantage and Disadvantage.

*other than Australia/English which is the highest

925.8 SEIFA** INDEX OF DISADVANTAGE *1020 GREATER

MELBOURNE+

TOP 5 COUNTRIES OF BIRTH*

VIETNAM, INDIA,

MALTA,

PHILLIPINES & ITALY

13

TOP 5 LANGUAGES

SPOKEN AT HOME*

VIETNAMESE, MALTESE,

ITALIAN,

GREEK, MACEDONIAN

COMMUNITY SNAPSHOT

PARENTS &

HOMEBUILDERS (35-49 YEARS)

LARGEST SERVICE AGE GROUP

46% RESIDENTS BORN

OVERSEAS

56% RESIDENTS

SPEAK A LANGUAGE

OTHER THAN

ENGLISH

BRIMBANK IS LOCATED IN

WESTERN AND NORTH-

WESTERN SUBURBS OF

MELBOURNE, BETWEEN 11 AND

23 KM’S WEST AND NORTH OF

MELBOURNE GPO.

92% EMPLOYED (OF THE

LABOUR FORCE)

OF THESE,

57.8% FULLTIME

30.5% PART TIME

13% COMPLETED

BACHELOR OR

HIGHER DEGREE (OF

PERSONS AGED 15+)

*23.6% GREATER

MELBOURNE+

47% COMPLETED YEAR 12

OR EQUIVALENT (OF

PERSONS AGED 15+)

*54.6% GREATER

MELBOURNE+

72% TRAVEL TO WORK BY CAR.

11.2% BY TRAIN AND

0.3% BY BICYCLE.

** The SEIFA Index of Disadvantage measures the relative level of socio-economic disadvantage based on a range of Census characteristics. The index

is derived from attributes that reflect disadvantage such as low income, low educational attainment, high unemployment, and jobs in relatively

unskilled occupations. A lower score indicates relatively greater disadvantage.

14

SAFETY SNAPSHOT

Injuries

Most injuries that occurred in Brimbank were unintentional and are preventable.

Generally the type, cause and location of injury in Brimbank is consistent with the

MNWR.

1 in 3 unintentional

injuries are caused by falls.

*38.4% ED presentations;

40.6% Hospital admissions+

Most unintentional injuries

occurred in homes.

*46.6% ED presentations;

23.6% Hospital admissions+

Source: Injuries statistics - See References Page, Reference no.11.

The data included in this profile was retrieved through various available sources (see table). Some

comparisons to the Metropolitan North West Region (MNWR) are included. For further information

and comparisons see the ‘Snapshot of Community Safety’ profile on www.brimbank.vic.gov.au

Safety area Source Year/s

Injuries Victorian Injury Surveillance Unit emergency department and hospital admissions

2011/12 to 2013/14 (3 years).

Road Safety Vic Roads crash statistics 2006 to 2013(p) (7 years).

Perceptions of Safety Community Indicators Victoria perceptions of safety

2011

Crime Victoria Police crime statistics 2009/10 to 2013/14 (5 years).

Alcohol and Other Drugs Turning Point alcohol and other drugs data 2011/12 to 2012/13 (2 years).

Total

25,578

85.5% unintentional

2.6% intentional

3.8% assault/

maltreatment & neglect

8.2% other/

undetermined

Total

17.565

46% unin

tentional

Hospital admissions

2.6% intentional

2.5% assault/

maltreatment & neglect

48.9% other/

undetermined

Brimbank residents presenting to emergency departments or being

admitted to hospital due to injury, 2011/12 to 2013/14.

Emergency department

presentations

15

In Brimbank, there were

49 fatalities and

1,542 serious injuries to

road users from 2006 to

2013 inclusive.

The rate of serious injuries

has been steady over the

past few years, however

there was a marked

reduction in serious injuries

from 2012 to 2013 (p).

Perceptions of Safety

Brimbank adults felt safer home alone compared to walking alone in the local

area, and safer walking alone during the day compared to at night. This is

consistent with the trends in MNWR and Victoria.

However, across all circumstances (walking alone, home alone, day or night),

the percentage of people that felt safe was lower in Brimbank.

Women felt less safe than men in all circumstances but especially when walking

alone in the local area at night.

Source: Road crash statistics - see References Page, Reference no. 18; Perceptions of Safety statistics - Reference no.6.

P - preliminary figures used for 2013 year

% of people who felt safe/very safe in

Brimbank, 2011

Road Safety

100 50 0 50 100

97%

95%

94%

64% Walking alone during the night

Walking alone during the day

Home alone at night

Home alone during the day 93%

82%

85%

23%

Men Women

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Crime

When looking at crime data it is useful to look at the trends - whether issues are

trending up or down over a period of time. Care should be taken when interpreting

recorded crime statistics, as only those offences which become known to police

and for which a crime report has been completed are included in the statistics. The

crime data included in this profile covers the years 2009/10 to 2013/14.

Generally, Brimbank is trending in a similar way when compared to the

Metropolitan North West Region (MNWR) and Victoria across recorded assaults,

property damage, possessions and use of drugs and family violence.

Assaults

Since 2009/10, the rate of assaults has increased in all areas (Brimbank, MNWR and Victoria)

but decreased in all areas in 2013/14 (p).

Possession and use of drugs

Since 2009/10, the rate of possession and use of drug has increased in all areas (Brimbank,

MNWR and Victoria).

However, in 2013/14 (p) the rate decreased in Brimbank and the MNMR.

Property Damage

In 2009/10, the rate of property damage in Brimbank was lower than the MNWR and

Victoria but was then higher than both areas in 2010/11.

Since 2011/12, the rate has decreased in Brimbank and in 2012/13 (p) the rate was lower

than both the MNWR and Victoria.

Family Violence

Since 2009/10, the rate of recorded family violence incidents has increased in all areas

(Brimbank, MNWR and Victoria).

SAFETY SNAPSHOT

Source: Crime statistics - See References Page, Reference no.17.

P - preliminary data

17

Alcohol and Other Drugs (AOD)

For the population, Brimbank

had a lower rate of people

presenting to Emergency

Department (ED) due to

AOD and Illicit Drugs

than the MNWR.

*2012/13+

1 in 3 women in Australia have experienced

physical violence since the age of 15 (reference no.1).

Intimate partner violence is the leading contributor to

preventable death, disability and illness inVictorian women aged 15 - 44 (reference no.15).

Source: Alcohol and Other Drugs statistics - See References Page, Reference no.13 and no.14.

* Of alcohol and other drug related attendances

Alcohol-related

ambulance

attendances were the

most common* in

2011/12 and 2012/13.

12

.1

13

.9

2.4

2.6

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Principles

Community Strengthening

Council commits to building strong, connected and supported communities and building community capacity to participate in action towards improving safety outcomes. Council recognises that the delivery of practical and focussed programs and equitable access to facilities and resources will contribute towards building strong communities.

Gender Equity

Council commits to a community where females and males are equal and respected. Council recognises gender equity as a determinant for preventing violence against women.

Social Justice

Council commits to social justice and the principles of access, equity, community participation and human rights. Council recognises that inequality and discrimination are major issues impacting on the health and wellbeing of the community and that there are a range of barriers that need to be addressed to achieve social justice including: income, gender, age, ethnicity, disability, sexuality and religion.

Quality urban environment

Council recognises that quality urban environments, including private developments, have a positive effect on how the community perceives and interacts with places, leading to greater community use of places and the flow on effect of improved safety. Features that contribute to a quality urban environment include (but are not limited to): diversity of parks and playgrounds, providing safe movement and connections, street landscaping, the design and development of private development, well maintained areas and the consideration of safer design (CPTED) principles.

Place Activation

Council commits to using place activation approaches in the public realm to increase diversity of activities and attract more people to use places, in turn improving safety and wellbeing.

Harm Minimisation

Council recognises the importance of using a harm minimisation approach to reduce the harmful effects of alcohol on individuals and society. Harm minimisation has been supported by the Federal Government since 1985 and can be categorised in three areas: harm reduction, supply reduction and demand reduction. Council plays a role in the area of harm reduction in relation to alcohol and other drugs.

Environments for Health

Council commits to utilising the Environments of Health framework - the built, social, economic and natural environments - to support health and wellbeing planning.

The Principles are the underpinning values that

guide the planning of community safety actions.

19

Approaches

Evidence based action

Implement actions and set priorities that are supported by evidence.

Actions should be relevant, proven effective where possible and prioritise

vulnerable environments and groups. Data and evidence will inform priority

setting and improve understanding of current and emerging issues.

Prevention

Seek to prevent injuries, crime and harm through a focus on primary

prevention - that is, implement strategies to reduce the risk of occurrence.

Examples of primary prevention that relate to community safety include:

creating safe and welcoming public places; increasing community

awareness of safe behaviours (e.g. road safety education); and

development of policies that promote community safety.

Leadership and Collaboration

Collaborate and strategically coordinate efforts towards a safer community

through partnerships with stakeholders and community.

Community Participation

Support community to play an active role and participate in safety actions.

Promote community connection, engagement, respect and pride to

increase community safety protective factors.

The Approaches ensure that community

safety actions will be based on evidence,

with a focus on prevention and working in

partnerships to achieve greater safety

outcomes.

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Priority Areas for Action

Page 5

Injury Prevention

Prevent and reduce injuries as a result of road

crashes (all road users), falls/ trips and other

intentional or unintentional injuries.

Examples

Place: Work with key agencies to improve

safety of roads and road sides.

People: Maintain the Brimbank Community

Register to provide welfare checks to registered

members.

Partnerships: Coordinate and participate in

various partnership groups to advocate and

deliver improved infrastructure, health, social

justice and wellbeing outcomes.

Crime Prevention

Prevent and reduce crime against the person,

crime against property and family violence.

Examples:

Place: Consider safer design principles

in all urban space and private

developments.

People: Prevent the incidence of crime

through raising awareness and

dissemination of information and

resources.

Policy: Implement the actions in the

Brimbank City Council’s Plan to Prevent

Men's Violence Against Women

Strategy 2015-2019.

The four Priority Areas are reflective of the safety

outcomes that are important to Brimbank’s Community

(as determined through consultation) and where

Council can play a key role.

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Page 6

Priority Areas for Action

Perceptions of Safety

Increase positive perceptions of safety in

public places, especially during the night and

within activity centres and transport precincts.

Examples:

Place: Assist local businesses to improve

their shopfronts to activate the street

and improve perceptions.

People: Implement activities that

encourage activation and community use

of public places.

Partnerships: Develop a shared approach

to promoting the breadth of public realm

planning and improvements in Brimbank

that has a positive impact on safety.

Alcohol and Other Drugs

Prevent and reduce alcohol and other drug

related harm for individuals and communities.

Examples:

Place: Design a built environment that

offers a diverse business mix to reduce

alcohol-related harm.

Policy: Consider amenity, health and social

impacts in the assessment of proposals for

liquor licenses.

Partnerships: Participate in networks such

as the MAV Alcohol and Other Drugs Issues

Forum and the Brimbank Liquor Forum.

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Appendices

Safety Partnerships and Networks

Victorian Safe Communities Network (VSCN) The VSCN supports government, business and community to promote safety strategies which aim to minimise the impact of unintentional injury, crime, violence and emergency situations for all Victorians.

Australian Safe Communities Foundation (ASCF) The ASCF advocates for safety promotion at the national level and is part of the Pan Pacific Safe Communities Network which is made up of Australia, New Zealand, Canada and the United States.

Australian Injury Prevention Network (AIPN)

The AIPN is the peak national body advocating for injury

prevention and safety promotion in Australia.

Brimbank - Safety Working Groups The Safety Working Groups are local, place-based groups coordinated by Brimbank City Council. The groups currently include representation by Council, Victoria Police and local community members and businesses.

Brimbank - Safety Roundtable The Safety Roundtable is a strategic partnership group coordinated by Brimbank City Council. The group currently includes representation by Council, several State Government departments, Victoria Police, Crime Stoppers Victoria and Women’s Health West.

Regional - West Metro Crime Prevention Reference Group The aim of the West Metro. Crime Prevention Reference Group is to build partnerships focused on crime prevention between government departments, local government, police and local organisations. These partnerships will support local communities to take an active role in preventing crime in their own neighborhoods and towns.

Regional - North West Regional Management Forum (Forum) Regional Management Forums provide a mechanism for constructive dialogue between state and local government which could inform the development of whole of government priorities for the state and enable the achievement of those priorities at the regional and local levels.

National and International Safe Communities The Safe Communities concept is an internationally recognised, evidence-based best practice model for addressing community safety issues at the local level. The process offers a framework for safety promotion and injury prevention based on identifying priority groups and settings, partnering with stakeholders and community and implementing and evaluating interventions. There are two recognitions available: Pan-Pacific Accreditation, assessed by the Australian Safe Communities Network and International Accreditation, assessed by the World Health Organisation.

International

Local

23

24

A review was undertaken to reflect on the achievements of the Community Safety Strategy and Action Plan 2012-2015 (the past strategy) and guide the development of the new strategy. The review included: Audit of the major achievements of the Community Safety Strategy and Action Plan 2012

-2015. Benchmarking of other local government area’s safety strategies and priorities. Analysis of the Brimbank community demographics and safety profiles. Consultation with a broad range of community and stakeholders. As part of the review, Council conducted an audit of the major achievements over the three year period of the Community Safety Framework and Action Plan (2012/2013 to 2014/2015). These are documented below and also in the Community Report (on www.brimbank.vic.gov.au).

Partnerships

Established a Brimbank Safety Roundtable and worked with community to deliver safety initiatives.

Conducted the community leadership and safety five-week training program.

Perceptions of safety

Developed the Reporting an Issue information flyer to assist the community to report various issues.

Held community events with partners to promote important safety messages.

Encouraged community connection through supporting residents to host ‘Neighbourhood Day’ events.

Alcohol and Other Drugs

Assessed liquor license planning applications and considered social impacts.

Partnered with organisations to improve understanding of trends in the use of Alcohol and Other Drugs.

Starting the Safety Roundtable and Safety Working Groups was a key achievement. This has brought together the Community with Council, Police, State Government and other agencies to share knowledge and work towards improving safety outcomes together.

Review - Safety Achievements 2012-2015

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Health and Wellbeing / Injuries

Coordinated and participated in various networks to improve health, social justice and wellbeing outcomes.

Provided welfare checks to registered members of the Brimbank Community Register.

Provided youth programs and services to support youth engagement and social inclusion.

Provided programs, events and activities at Neighbourhood Houses that contribute to building community connectedness. Approximately 250,000 community members attend Neighbourhood Houses annually.

Family Violence

Coordinated a business forum to promote gender equity in workplaces. Over 50 business leaders participated.

Developed the Brimbank City Council Plan to Prevent Men’s Violence Against Women (2015-2019) – Towards Gender Equity.

Established an internal White Ribbon Working Group and supported the White Ribbon Day campaign.

Road Safety

Conducted the Fit to Drive Year 11 road safety workshop program. Over 1,000 young people participate each year.

Implemented the L2P Driver Mentor program for disadvantaged young people with over 40 current participants.

Developed a new campaign to assist the community to effectively report hoon driving issues.

Crime prevention

Promoted car theft awareness and distributed car immobiliser vouchers to the community.

Improved safety in public places through implementing safer design principles in the development of streetscape and activity centre upgrades.

Urban Environment

Conducted community safety audits in Brimbank town centres.

Implemented the Graffiti Management Framework and Policy including removal of graffiti from Council assets; providing graffiti removal vouchers to residents and working with young people to produce quality graffiti murals.

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Definitions Community Safety

A safe community is a place that is attractive to live, work and visit. A safe community is a liveable

community, where people can go about their daily activities in an environment without fear, risk of

harm or injury. Perceptions of community safety, real or perceived, impact on the way people feel and

interact in their community. Community safety is not only about reducing and preventing injury and

crime. It is about building strong, cohesive, vibrant, participatory communities. *reference 12+

Community Strengthening

Community Strengthening is the process of building cohesive, inclusive and resilient communities,

which nurture the wellbeing of all members. Strong communities respect and support all individuals to

actively determine, plan and participate in the social, economic, cultural and environmental aspects of

community life and experience feelings of connection, pride and belonging.

Crime Prevention through Environmental Design (CPTED)

CPTED is an analytical tool used to redesign and modify the built environment to reduce opportunities

for crime. CPTED focuses on the effective design and use of the built environment to reduce the

incidence and fear of crime and improve quality of life. *reference 9+

Environments for Health

Environments for Health is a framework to assist health and wellbeing planning. It recognises four

environments that influence health – the built, social, economic and natural environments.

Emergency Department (ED) Presentation

An injury or poisoning that results in a person presenting to a hospital emergency department for

treatment who is triaged (assessed for urgency), including those patients who leave before treatment

commences. A non-admission is a person who is discharged from the ED within four hours of the time

the patient management commences. *reference 10+

Harm Minimisation

Harm minimisation aims to address alcohol and other drug issues by reducing their harmful effects on

individuals and society. Harm minimisation has been supported by the Federal Government since 1985.

It is based on the public health model, in which alcohol and drug use is seen as an interaction between

the drug, the individual and the environment. *reference 8+

Harm minimisation can be categorised into three areas:

harm reduction

supply reduction

demand reduction

27

Hospital Admission

An injury or poisoning that results in a person being admitted to an inpatient bed and subsequently

discharged alive either on the same day (after at least four hours from the time patient management

begins) or after one or more nights stay in a hospital bed. *reference 10+

Injury

Injury includes damage to health due to such events as transport-related accidents, falls, drowning and

near-drowning, suicide and intentional self-harm, homicide and interpersonal violence, fire, burns and

scalds, poisoning (from pharmaceuticals and other substances), sports-related accidents, incidents

occurring in workplaces and on farms, and from other causes. *reference 7+

Metropolitan North West Region

The Metropolitan North West Metropolitan Region (MNWR) consists of 14 LGA’s as specified by Dept.

Health & Human Services and Victoria Police. LGA’s included in the NWMR are: Brimbank, Melton,

Hobson's Bay, Maribyrnong, Wyndham, Banyule, Darebin, Nillumbik, Melbourne, Moreland, Moonee

Valley, Yarra, Hume and Whittlesea.

Public Place

A Public Place is any place to which the public has access as of right or by invitation, whether express

or implied and whether or not a charge is made for admission to the place. A public place can include,

but is not limited to, public streets, public parks, public hospitals, public transport, railway stations,

platforms and carriages, trams, shopping centres, sports and recreation centres or grounds, public

schools, public halls, museums, galleries, libraries, government buildings and office reception areas.

*reference 16+

Socio-Economic Indexes for Areas (SEIFA)

Socio-Economic Indexes for Areas (SEIFA) is a product developed by the ABS that ranks areas in

Australia according to relative socio-economic advantage and disadvantage. The indexes are based on

information from the five-yearly Census.

The index is derived from attributes that reflect disadvantage such as low income, low educational

attainment, high unemployment, and jobs in relatively unskilled occupations. A lower score indicates

relatively greater disadvantage.

28

1. Australian Bureau of Statistics. Personal Safety Strategy, 2012. 2. Australian Bureau of Statistics, Socio-Economic Indexes for Areas, http://www.abs.gov.au/websitedbs/censushome.nsf/home/seifa, page updated 23/9/13 *accessed: 27 May 2015+ 3. Australian Injury Prevention Network, http://aipn.com.au/ *accessed: 12 March 2015+ 4. Australian Safe Communities Foundation, About-Australian Safe Communities Foundation http://www.safecommunities.net.au/ *accessed: 12 March 2015+ 5. Australian Safe Communities Foundation, Becoming a Safe Community http://www.safecommunities.net.au/index.php/becoming-a-safe-community *accessed: 12 March 2015+ 6. Community Indicators Victoria http://www.communityindicators.net.au/node/add/report *accessed: 10 June 2014+ 7. Department of Health 2011, Background: National Health Priority Areas in Victoria http://www.health.vic.gov.au/nhpa/injury-back.htm *accessed: 17 March 2015+. 8. Department of Health 2004, The Harm Minimisation Approach http://www.health.gov.au/internet/publications/publishing.nsf/Content/drugtreat-pubs-front5-wk-toc~drugtreat-pubs-front5-wk-secb~drugtreat-pubs-front5-wk-secb-6~drugtreat-pubs-front5-wk-secb-6-1 *accessed: 12 March 2015+ 9. Department of Sustainability and Environment 2005, Safer Design Guidelines 10. Monash University 2015, Victorian Injury Surveillance Unit, About VISU data: sources and injury definitions http://monash.edu.au *accessed: 31 March 2015+ 11. Monash University 2015, Victorian Injury Surveillance Unit, Injury (all intents) among residents of the City of Brimbank compared with the North West Metropolitan Region (excluding Brimbank) July 2011 to June 2014 (3 years) 12. Pan Pacific Safe Communities Network, http://www.ppscn.org/ *accessed: 12 March 2015+ 13. Turning Point, AODStats LGA Map, Brimbank, http://www.aodstats.org.au/ *accessed: 22 May 2015+ 14. Turning Point, Trends in Alcohol and Drug Related Ambulance Attendances in Victoria 2012/13, http://www.turningpoint.org.au/site/DefaultSite/filesystem/documents/TP.ambocallout.fullreport.080514.pdf *accessed: 29 April 2015+. 15. VicHealth 2004, The Health Costs of Violence: Measuring the Burden of Disease Caused by Intimate Partner Violence 16. Victorian Ombudsman 2012, Closed Circuit Television in Public Places-Guidelines 17. Victoria Police, crime statistics downloaded annually from the Victoria Police website http://www.police.vic.gov.au/content.asp?Document_ID=782 18. Vic Roads, crash statistics downloaded annually from the Vic Roads CrashStats website http://www.vicroads.vic.gov.au/safety-and-road-rules/safety-statistics/crash-statistics 19. Victorian Safe Communities Network Inc., http://www.vscn.org.au/about/ *accessed: 12 March 2015+

References

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Opening hoursMonday to Friday 8.45am – 5pm

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Sunshine Offices 6 –18 Alexandra Avenue, Sunshine

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Sunshine 6 –18 Alexandra Avenue, Sunshine

Keilor 704B Old Calder Highway, Keilor

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Contact usTelephone: 9249 4000 Email: info@brimbank.vic.gov.auPost: PO Box 70 SUNSHINE VIC 3020Website: brimbank.vic.gov.au

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