Corrimal shopping centre stand to gather information for community safety plan

UPDATED March 3 2020:

NORTHERN Illawarra residents are encouraged to share their crime experiences in an online survey to gather information for a new Community Safety Plan 2021-2025.

The Wollongong City Council survey comes in the wake of a spate of break and enters and theft in the north, especially around Thirroul, Bulli and Woonona in recent months.

Council staff were at a community information stand at the Corrimal Lederer (Corrimal Court) Shopping Centre on Tuesday March 3 to talk with residents and gather details on safety.

Information collected through the survey will be used by Council to focus on developing strategies to make people feel safer, be safer and to reduce crime.

Wollongong Lord Mayor Gordon Bradbery said as a result of the last survey in 2017, Council has developed and implemented projects that focus on reducing anti-social behaviour, theft from cars and graffiti across Wollongong.

“We currently have a community safety plan which will expire at the end of this year,” Cr Bradbery said.

“By having people share their experiences and where they feel unsafe, we’re able to better pinpoint where additional safety programs or initiatives are needed.’’

Cr Bradbery said by focusing on the community’s needs over the next five years, Council want to make public spaces across the city safer for everyone.

Besides the public information stand at Corrimal tomorrow, a survey will be available on Council’s website throughout March. The survey is asking residents to join the conversation and share their feelings or experiences on safety in the community.

“The information we receive from the survey and information sessions will help Council shape the next Community Safety Plan for 2021 to 2025,” Cr Bradbery said.

“We will also work in conjunction with NSW Police to ensure that our Community Safety Plan is informed by the data that NSW Police gather from their safety initiatives.”

The short survey will run from 2 to 30 March on Council’s website. Council staff will also be available at a community information stand at Crown Street Mall Wollongong, Friday March 13, 11.30am to 1.30pm.

The online survey is available HERE.