Safer Communities Plan

2015-2019

And Year

=

Natural Connected Prosperous

This document links to the Community Strategic Plan through:

Goal 1: Valuing the natural environment

Goal 2: Welcoming and inclusive communities

Goal 3: Managing growth sustainably

Goal 4: Vibrant and diverse economy

Goal 5: Effective leadership and governance

Welcome message

The Shire takes a multi-pronged approach to community safety including strategies that look

at designing out crime in the planning phase of a project, managing the risk factors and

responses associated with natural disasters, strengthening youth through engagement and

education, addressing social exclusion and managing and enforcing local laws to keep public

places safe for residents and visitors to enjoy.

Through building strong partnerships, sound planning, consultation, engagement and

interventions the Shire aims to provide the essential conditions for our community to flourish.

I look forward to working with Shire staff and the many other important stakeholders that are

integral to community safety in bringing the actions outlined within this plan to life.

Gary Evershed

Chief Executive Officer

Community Safety is everybody’s business. It is central to quality of life

and when a person’s sense of safety is compromised, it impacts on

their ability enjoy their life and perform at their best.

In the Shire of Augusta Margaret River, there is plenty to enjoy and

the Shire is committed to partnering with other agencies to ensure that

residents and visitors maintain a sense of safety.

Maintaining a safe community requires individuals, communities,

businesses, non-government organisations and government to work

together in a cooperative and strategic way to develop and implement

effective community safety strategies and programs.

Table of Contents

Executive Summary .............................................................................................................. 1

What is a Safe Community? .................................................................................................. 2

Methodology .......................................................................................................................... 4

Augusta Margaret River Shire Community Overview ............................................................. 6

Population Statistics .......................................................................................................... 7

Ethnicity ............................................................................................................................. 7

Safer Community Framework ................................................................................................ 9

Guiding Principles ................................................................................................................11

Alignment of the Plan ...........................................................................................................13

Commonwealth .................................................................................................................13

State .................................................................................................................................13

Shire of Augusta Margaret River .......................................................................................14

Research / Consultation Findings .........................................................................................15

Injury Profile Data .............................................................................................................15

Community Safety and Crime Prevention Profile 2009 - 2010 ...........................................15

Police Statistics 2010 - 2014 .............................................................................................16

Emergency Management ..................................................................................................16

Consultation Feedback .....................................................................................................17

Safer Communities Goals .....................................................................................................18

Goal 1: Injury Prevention ..................................................................................................19

Goal 2: Crime Prevention ..................................................................................................20

Goal 3: Effective Emergency Management .......................................................................20

Safer Communities Action Plan ............................................................................................21

Review process ....................................................................................................................33

References ...........................................................................................................................34

1

Executive Summary

A safer community is a breeding ground for social, economic and environmental wellbeing

where people can go about their everyday lives with reduced fear or hindrance from injury,

crime and disorder or the lasting impacts of disaster.

In developing the Safer Communities Plan, it is important to understand the context of safety

within the local area and then address concerns through the building of community

connectedness, a capacity to prevent harm and to promote safer behaviour, choices and

practices.

Simply stated, the purpose of this document is to build a clear evidence based action plan for

the Shire and partners to implement that will assist in making our community safer and more

resilient.

Key aspects in developing the Safer Communities Plan include identifying and understanding

community safety and crime prevention priorities for the Shire of Augusta Margaret River by:

Researching current evidence based research related to injury profiles, criminal and

antisocial activity and emergency related critical incidents and planning;

Defining key elements and focus areas of a safer community; and

Community consultation and engagement.

From this investigation, an action based plan was then developed under the primary goals of:

Injury Prevention – Intentional, Unintentional and Safer Activities;

Crime Prevention; and

Emergency Management.

Strategies developed to achieve these goals include:

Partnerships to address drug and alcohol related harm;

Programs that engage youth and the wider community in activities that promote good

mental health;

Promoting safety in the water, particularly in relation to shark response and

community awareness around the risks of recreating at a rugged coast;

Facilitating community safety through community connectedness and community

ownership;

Implementation of an Environmental Health Services Activity Plan;

Activities for youth that promote safe choices;

2

Activities for seniors that promote health and safety;

Implementing programs and education strategies around animal control, abandoned

vehicles and firebreak management to keep public places safe;

Implementing programs and education strategies to keep roads and pathways safe.

Working with local police and other stakeholders to prevent and reduce crime through

surveillance, education, engagement and environmental design;

Building strong partnerships to develop and test procedures to ensure emergency

management arrangements and responses are robust and effective;

Supporting community in developing household emergency plans; and

Setting a process for monitoring and evaluating community safety initiatives and

strategies that form part of this plan

3

What is a Safe Community?

“A Safe Community is one in which all sectors of the community work together in a

coordinated and collaborative way, forming partnerships to promote safety, manage risk,

increase the overall safety of all of its members and reduce their fears of harm” (Australian

Safe Communities Foundation 2012, page 3).

A key aspect of a safe community is the creation of local partnerships between community,

government and non–government as well as business leaders that aim to combine

resources, knowledge and capacities to address local concerns about the physical

environment, injuries, antisocial behaviour and crime in a coordinated and sustained manner.

In this context, the community may be defined as a specific geographical area, professional

associations, a group with common interest, or even individuals who provide services to a

specific location (Australian Safe Communities Foundation 2012).

From a crime prevention perspective, a safe community is one where people are able to

pursue and obtain the fullest life possible without fear or hindrance from crime and disorder.

The Office of Crime Prevention’s Community Safety and Crime Prevention Planning Manual

(n.d) refers to people’s feelings of safety as indicated by objective measures of crime and

victimisation.

Crime Prevention

For the purposes of this Plan, “crime prevention” refers to any measure taken to prevent

crime and antisocial behaviour at their source. These aims are almost always long term. Risk

factors such as age, social economic factors, poor education, income, employment and

alcohol abuse are strong indicators of people at risk of both committing crimes and becoming

victims of crime. Crime prevention can be categorised in the following way:

1. Primary crime prevention is targeted at changing the environmental conditions that

provide opportunities for the occurrence of criminal or antisocial acts. This is often

referred to as CPTED principles, or “Crime Prevention through Environmental

Design”, as detailed in the Western Australian Planning Commission’s Designing Out

Crime Planning Guidelines (2006).

2. Secondary crime prevention is the early identification of potential offenders by

intervening, seeking to prevent the criminal or antisocial behaviour from occurring.

3. Tertiary crime prevention targets offenders and involves interventions to stop further

offending.

4. Social crime prevention is about reducing the desire to commit crime through

strategies and programs that address risk factors to crime.

5. Situational crime prevention is about reducing the opportunities for crime to occur.

(The Office of Crime Prevention, n.d.)

4

Methodology

In developing this Plan, the following methodology was considered:

Active engagement with community and key stakeholders to identify and understand

priorities related to community safety in the Shire of Augusta Margaret River;

Review and interpretation of local injury profiles, crime statistics and critical

emergency incidents;

Defining key elements of a Safer Community;

Clarifying key target areas within a safer community framework;

Developing an action based plan that enhances community connectedness, local

capacities and intelligence, individual strengths and decision making, and community

wellbeing;

Clarifying areas of responsibility and seeking collaboration with regards to

implementation, monitoring and review of the Plan;

Resourcing the Plan;

Provision to evaluate the results and outcomes of the Plan and identify areas for

ongoing improvement.

Phase 1:

Review of Shire of Augusta Margaret River demographics / community overview;

Review local, state, interstate and international community safety based initiatives /

evidence based research findings and associated frameworks;

Review local injury profiles;

Review local and South West crime statistics;

Review critical incidents, disaster management arrangements and priority areas;

Review research data contained within the following Shire Plans and via public

consultation activities:

o Shire’s Community Strategic Plan 2033

o Community Safety and Crime Prevention Plan 2007-2010

o Strengthening Youth Plan 2014-2018

o The Creative Blueprint – A Plan for Art and Culture 2014-2018

o Disability Access and Inclusion Plan 2014-2016

o Aged Friendly Community Study 2009

o Community Development Plan 2008-2012

o Shire Pathway Plan

o Shire Road Replacement Plan

o Shark Response Think Tank 2014

o Responsible Camping Think Tank 2011

5

o Responsible Camping Working Group 2012-2013

o Critical incident debriefs

o Shire / Department of Fire and Emergency Services Business Plan 2014-2017

Consultation via a Community Safety and Crime Prevention workshop facilitated by

the Shire and Office of Crime Prevention in September 2012. Key stakeholders

included:

o Department of Education

o Local Police

o Shire of Augusta Margaret River staff

o Augusta Margaret River Youth Advisory Council

o Department of Health / SW Health Unit

o Margaret River Hospital

o South West Development Commission

o Local Drug Action Group Inc.

o The Grove Brewery

o The Chauffer Bus

o Adult Community Corrections

Other consultation, feedback and face to face engagement through:

o Augusta Margaret River Community Emergency Preparedness Working

Group

o Shire Fire Risk Management Group

o Public Health Advocacy Institute of WA

o Margaret River Liquor Forum members

o Augusta Margaret River Local Emergency Management Committee

o Augusta Margaret River Bush Fire Advisory Committee

o State Emergency Management Committee

o Department of Fire and Emergency Services

o Office of Bushfire Risk Management

o Augusta Margaret River Community Network Group

o Augusta Margaret River Community Access and Inclusion Reference Group

(CAIRG)

o Shire of Augusta Margaret River staff

o Customer feedback

6

Phase 2:

Determination of key findings and development of guiding principles

Determination of key focus areas and Safer Community Framework

Development of an action based plan to address concerns and build community

capacities / assets / strengths

Seek community and stakeholder feedback on draft Plan

Phase 3:

Finalise Plan

Phase 4:

Implement, monitor and review Plan

7

Shire of Augusta Margaret River Shire Community

Overview

The Shire of Augusta Margaret River occupies the south-west corner of Western Australia,

some 283kms from Perth. There are two major towns, Margaret River and Augusta, as well

as the hamlets of Cowaramup, Gracetown, Witchcliffe, Rosa Brook and Karridale.

The predominant land use is state forest, agricultural pursuits such as dairy and beef cattle,

sheep, horticulture and viticulture. The Shire is a popular tourist destination where people are

attracted to the rugged coastline for surfing, to artists, and artisan galleries, vineyards and

the magnificent rivers and forests (Shire of Augusta Margaret River 2014)

Population Statistics

Total 11,761

Male 5898

Female 5863

Median Age 39

Average children per family 1.8

Median weekly household income $1,096

All private dwellings 6,810

Average people per household 2.5

Median monthly mortgage repayments $1,733

Median weekly rent $260

Average motor vehicles per dwelling 1.9

(Australian Bureau of Statistics 2011)

8

Ethnicity

Table 1: Country of Birth 2011

(Australian Bureau of Statistics 2011)

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

70

80 Country of Birth % People in theShire

Country of Birth % People in WA

9

Table 2: Languages Spoken at Home

(Australian Bureau of Statistics 2011)

Safer Community Framework The Safer Community Framework below (adapted from a City of Melville framework model -

2013) has been developed in order to provide structure and integration of relevant Shire and

localised elements. This is not an exhaustive list, moreover a guiding framework to assist

plan development, implementation, monitoring and review.

Strategic drivers:

Community safety and crime prevention statistics;

Localised injury profiles;

Incidents of significance;

Community safety frameworks;

Community perceptions;

Professional agency / stakeholder feedback;

Climatic conditions;

Resource availability;

Community aspirations;

Shire Strategic and Corporate Plans.

Addressed by:

Injury Prevention strategies – across intentional and unintentional themes;

Crime Prevention strategies;

0102030405060708090

100

Languages spoken at home %People in the Shire

Languages spoken at home %People in WA

10

Emergency Management.

Supported by:

Business Unit Plans;

Evidence based research;

Annual budgets and staffing levels;

Key partnerships;

Community engagement / involvement.

Results:

Environmental change;

Awareness raising and education leading to behaviour change;

Taking responsibility for one’s own actions;

Community participation – locally driven and owned initiatives;

Enhanced community perceptions;

Enhanced community capacity;

Mutually beneficial relationship / partnerships.

Key Outcomes:

Safer communities;

Increased community satisfaction;

Social, Economic and Environmental wellbeing.

Measurements:

Community survey feedback;

Wellbeing indicators;

Crime statistics;

Injury Profile;

Budget versus actuals;

% of projects completed on time / budget / to required standard;

% of Safer Communities Plan actions completed.

Improvement:

Review strategy effectiveness to achieve outcomes;

Refine systems and approach;

Continue to refine, improve and update the Safer Communities Plan with community

input.

11

12

Guiding Principles

Community safety in this context comprises the key elements of

o Injury prevention (intentional and unintentional);

o Crime prevention;

o Emergency Management

(Australian Safe Communities Foundation 2012).

Core attributes of the model include:

o Community infrastructure and leadership

o Community participation and engagement

o Program sustainability and administration capacity

o Program range

o Priority populations

o Program evaluation

(Australian Safe Communities Foundation 2012, page 4)

The Shire has key roles to play in building a safer community which may vary over

the life of the Plan and / or depending on the particular initiative being undertaken.

These include leadership, facilitation, administration, coordination, governance and

policy making, planning and development assessment, advocacy and in some cases,

service provision.

Current initiatives and future actions detailed in the plan encompass the work of both

the Shire and partners. It is not expected that one organisation will achieve all of

these actions alone; rather a partnership approach will be required.

Actions are presented as achievable within the resources and capacities currently

available. Although more could always be achieved, the scope of actions presented

within this Plan is deemed appropriate for the size of the community and Shire

resource capacities. Over time this is expected to change.

Matters relating to community safety and crime are often complex and need to be

considered in local contexts. Therefore response strategies should be tailored to the

local environment.

Strategies will be formulated using an evidence based approach.

Programs are to be localised, encourage community participation and empowerment,

cost effective, achievable and sustainable.

13

Alignment of the Plan

Commonwealth

The National Injury Prevention and Safety Promotion Plan 2004-2014

The vision for the National Injury Prevention and Safety Promotion Plan is: Governments, private sector and communities working together to ensure that people in

Australia have the greatest opportunity to live in a safe environment free from the impact of

injuries (National Public Health Partnership 2004).

Australian Federal Police Strategic Plan 2012-2015

Outcome 1 contributes to reduced criminal and security threats to Australia’s economic and

societal interests through cooperative policing services.

Outcome 2 provides for a safe and secure environment through policing activities on behalf

of the Australian Capital Territory Government (Australian Federal Police 2012).

Natural Disaster Resilience Program 2014

The focus of the NDRP is to reduce Western Australian communities’ vulnerability to natural

hazards by supporting local governments and other stakeholders to build community

resilience by:

Reducing community vulnerability to natural hazards

Supporting community stakeholders to build community resilience and increase

community self-reliance

Promoting innovation through a focus on building partnerships between sectors

Contributing to the attraction, retention and support of volunteers

Encouraging a regional or catchment area approach to mitigation and potential

impacts due to climate change (State Emergency Management Committee 2015)

State

Injury Control Council of WA (ICCWA)

ICCWA’s 2014 mission is to reduce the incidence, severity and effect of injuries through the promotion of safe and healthy communities (Injury Control Council 2015).

Western Australian Police Crime Prevention Strategy 2011-2014

The Western Australian Police’s Crime Prevention Strategy outlines community engagement,

partnerships with other agencies, an evidence based approach and designing out crime as

some of their priorities which is consistent with the Safer Communities Plan (WA Police

2011).

14

State Emergency Management Committee Policies

The Western Australian State Emergency Management Committee oversee the coordination

of emergency management in Western Australia and work with local governments to ensure

sound emergency management arrangements are in place (State Emergency Management

Committee 2015).

South West Development Commission Regional Blueprint 2014

The South West Development Commission’s Regional Blueprint outlines one of their regional priorities in Community safety as ensuring the region has the capacity to deal with natural events including storm, fire and flood (South West Development Commission 2014).

Shire of Augusta Margaret River

Corporate Plan 2014-2018

The Safer Communities Plan meets strategy six under goal two: Welcoming and Inclusive

Communities (Shire of Augusta Margaret River 2014)

15

Research / Consultation Findings

Injury Profile Data

In 2013 the Shire compiled an Injury Profile summarising data relating to injuries (defined as

physical harm to a person’s body) sustained within the Shire from 2005 – 2012.

Sporting, leisure and work related injuries

The Injury Profile outlines that the majority of injuries were sporting, leisure and work related

as well as nine drownings reported between 2005 - 2012 (Shire of Augusta Margaret River

2013). There have also been several shark fatalities in past ten years which have impacted

the local and wider community.

Mental health related injuries

Our young people are particularly vulnerable to developing mental health problems

and/or mental illness, often combined with misusing drugs and alcohol. It is estimated that 75

percent of all severe mental illness begins before the age of 24 years (Mental Health

Commission n.d).

Surveys conducted in the Magistrates’ Court found that over half the defendants

reported experiencing mental health problems, highlighting causal links between mental

health and crime related activity (Mental Health Commission n.d).

Community Safety and Crime Prevention Profile 2009-2010

The most recent Community Safety and Crime Prevention Profile (2009) for the Shire

produced by the Office of Crime Prevention outlined the following trends:

Local Crimes Rates compared to Regional and State Crime Rates

The crime rates in the Shire of Augusta Margaret River were generally lower than that

of the South West or Western Australia with the exception of illicit drug offences.

Crime Trends

Upward trends over a nine year period relating to crimes against the person and illicit

drug offences, while there were downward trends recorded for burglaries and theft

(including motor vehicle theft).

Seasonal Trends

Offences against the person tend to occur over the December period, then spike

again around Easter and in June/July.

Motor vehicle thefts also spike over the summer period.

Demographics of Offenders

16

Four out of five offenders were male and almost all were non indigenous aged

between 20-39 years.

Demographics of Victims

74% of victims resulted from acts intended to cause injury.

There were slightly more female victims than male.

30 % of victims were aged between 20–29 years with 20% aged 10-19 years.

(Office of Crime Prevention 2009)

Police Statistics 2010 - 2014

Statistics from the Western Australia Police indicate that assaults are the most common

crime in the Shire of Augusta Margaret River and have increased since 2010. The next most

common crime is burglary (of dwellings).

Table 3: Incidences of Crime in Shire of Augusta Margaret River 2010-2014

Emergency Management

The Shire has a number of Emergency Management Arrangements in place covering

prevention, preparedness, response and recovery aspects. In 2011, the Shire was impacted

by a significant bushfire that destroyed 47 homes and partially destroyed over 100 other

properties in the Gnarabup / Prevelly area. Luckily no lives were lost due to the efforts of fire

fighters and a proactive community response. Fire remains the highest risk factor to the

community from an emergency management perspective, followed by flood.

The Shire is faced with increased fire risk to people and property due to a drying climate,

development in high fuel load areas, significant tourist numbers for a large portion of the

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

70

80

Assault Burglary(Dwelling)

Burglary(Other)

Graffiti Robbery StealMotorVehicle

2010-2011

2011-2012

2012-2013

2013-2014

Number of occurrences

17

year, and increasing pressure on bushfire brigade volunteers to support fire response

requirements.

Consultation Feedback

The Shire and the Office of Crime Prevention facilitated a Community Safety and Crime

Prevention workshop in 2012. Priorities identified through this consultation included:

Alcohol - direct personal health related concerns as well as associated knock on

impacts such as violence, injury and crime.

Fire and Emergency Management - encompassing fire response, recovery and

shark attack.

Mental Health – due to an increase in the number and severity of mental health

cases and associated unemployment, homelessness, self-harm, accidents and

suicide.

Crime Prevention - safety for seniors, addressing petty thefts / burglary and

domestic violence.

Youth Engagement – due to youth being a high priority demographic at risk from

intentional / unintentional injury and crime related activity.

18

Safer Communities Goals

In addressing the priority areas identified through research, consultation and community /

stakeholder feedback, an action based plan has been developed to engage the following

areas as per Figure 1:

Figure 1: Safer Communities Plan Priority Areas

(Australian Safe Communities Foundation 2012, modified from the Injury Control

Council of WA)

While overarching community safety comprises the elements identified above, Figure 2

below highlights the various aspects within a Safer Community model. A majority of these

themes have been addressed within this Plan, while others such as Workplace Safety, are

dealt with in other Shire policies, publications and plans.

Community Safety

Injury Prevention

Intentional and

Unintentional Safer Activities

Crime Prevention

Emergency Management

19

Figure 2: Key Elements of Preventing Injury

(Australian Safe Communities Foundation 2012, modified from the Injury Control

Council of WA)

Goal 1: Injury Prevention

1. Intentional injuries are reduced - addressing issues relating to excessive use of alcohol

and illicit drugs as well as harm resulting from mental health issues.

2. Unintentional injuries are reduced - increasing safety around leisure activities particularly

in and around water.

3. Safer activities are enhanced - to foster safer activities for youth and seniors, continuing

to maintain safe public spaces and increasing road and pathway safety.

Drugs and Alcohol

Workplace Safety

Crime Prevention

Education Employment

Transport and Roads

Urban Safety Environment -

built and natural

Home Safety

Positive Early Intervention

Public Health Fire and

Emergency Services

Law Enforcement

20

Goal 2: Crime Prevention

Achieving outcomes of crime prevention will require partnerships, surveillance, education,

environmental design, empowerment, community feedback and information exchange.

Goal 3: Effective Emergency Management

Focusing on building strong partnerships with other Emergency Management organisations

as well as having robust systems and up to date, well tested arrangements in place will

ensure a well-equipped and resilient community.

21

Safer Communities Action Plan

Goal 1 : Injury Prevention

Outcome 1.1 Intentional injuries are reduced

Strategy Current initiatives Actions Responsibility When

Work in partnership with relevant agencies to address drug and alcohol related harm

Local Drug Action Group (LDAG) meetings and projects

School leavers presentation

School Drug Education and Road Aware program (SDERA)

Liquor Forum Meetings and projects

Community Network Group meetings

Responsible Service of Alcohol (RSA) Training for staff of licensed premises

Liquor Licencing protocols / Extended Trading Permit assessments

Alcohol free events

Assessment and provision of liquor licensing and extended trading hours requests

Maintain ongoing support to the programs and initiatives listed

Investigate funding options to assist sporting and community groups to fund raise in ways that do not involve the raffling or sale of alcohol

Shire

Local Drug Action Group

Local high schools

Police and liquor licensees

Human Service Providers

Department of Racing, Gaming and Liquor

Drug and Alcohol Office

Ongoing

Engage youth and the broader community in healthy social activities for good mental

Strengthening Youth Plan and Policy developed in 2014

Coordination of youth activities which ellicit discussion regarding suicide prevention, seeking help and engaging in healthy activities.

Implement actions from the Strengthening Youth Plan

Seek funding to support suicide prevention / mental health / drug and alcohol awareness projects.

Shire and relevant stakeholders

Local High Schools

Youth Advisory Council (YAC)

2014-2018

22

health The Shire has coordinated projects educating young people about the consequences of illicit drug taking and excessive alcohol use e.g. ‘Above the Influence’ film.

Local Drug Action Group

Outcome 1.2 - Unintentional injuries are reduced

Strategy Current initiatives Actions Responsibility When

Water Safety There are two beach life guards at Margaret River Mouth from December until after the April school holidays working 7 days a week

Maintain beach life guard service at Margaret River Mouth.

Recreation Operations Manager

Ongoing

Shark Response Think Tank was held in August 2014. Outcomes include greater understanding of shark behaviour, refinement of response protocols and development of a responsibility matrix

Maintain and refine Shark Response procedure.

Manager Community Development & Safety and Ranger Coordinator as well as relevant stakeholders

2015

Rangers respond to shark sightings / incidences by closing beach / installing signage and alerting beachgoers

Develop and seek Council and LGIS endorsement for Shark Response Policy and Procedure.

Manager Community Development & Safety and Ranger Coordinator

Quarterly

Beach signage has been installed at key locations to advise of physical risks (rips, shallow water, slippery rocks, sharks etc.)

Monitor signage ensuring it is up to date, maintained and in place

Shire / Department of Parks and Wildlife

Annually

Surf Safety film ‘Skeg Bite’ developed aimed at young people

Consider future water safety community education programs and initiatives

Senior Community Development Officer / Trainee

Annually

23

Strategy Current initiatives Actions Responsibility When

Environmental Health Program

Management of the Physical Environment 1. Food Control 2. Water Protection 3. Air Quality 4. Accommodation / public facilities & events 5. Noise control 6. Waste Management

Management of Biological Hazards 1. Vector borne disease & Pest control 2. Microbiological control

Management of Chemical Hazards 1. Pesticide Safety 2. Tobacco Control

Environmental Health Education &

Advocacy & Planning

1. Environmental Health Education campaigns 2. Advocacy and Representation 3. Public Health Planning

Environmental Health Leadership 1. Environmental Health Issue Groups 2. Risk Management 3. Operational Leadership

Implement Shire Environmental and Health Services Activity Plan

Manager Environmental Health and Waste Services

Annually

Outcomes 1.3 - Safer Activities

Strategy Current initiatives Actions Responsibility When

Safer youth The Shire coordinates regular Youth Advisory Council Meetings, school

Continue to provide safe youth engagement activities as per

Shire Community Annually

24

activities holiday program, youth activity program including the annual Margaret River Skate Art and Music Event (MR SAM), leadership camp and skate / scooter clinics

Strengthening Youth Plan 2014-18. Development team

Safer seniors The Shire coordinates an annual Connecting Seniors Expo incorporating a safety focus and number of events during Seniors Month relating to keeping active

Seek external funding to support continuation of Seniors Month activities related to safety.

Shire Community Development Team

Annually

The Shire runs a Stay on Your Feet program as well as a Living Longer Living Stronger program

Continue to provide the Living Longer, Living Stronger Program

Shire Recreation Centre team

Annually

Aged Friendly Community Study completed in 2009

Develop and implement an Age Friendly Community Plan and Policy

Community Development Officer

2015

25

Safe Public Spaces

The Shire Rangers team provide a range of initiatives and services aimed at safer public spaces including:

Dog and cat management – education to the public regarding dog / cat ownership and management through media and one on one meetings

Addressing dog attacks via infringement or through the court process

Penalties for repeat dogs wandering or off-lead in prohibited places.

Designated and signposted dog exercise areas to allow for dogs to socialise whilst still under the control of owners, lessening incidences with people who do not wish to interact with dogs.

Investigation of abandoned vehicles / litter at reported sites and arrange removal of hazardous waste / material to prevent risk to public.

Communicate and administer Local Laws

Promote responsible dog ownership

Ensure designated exercise area signage is in place and maintained.

Utilise relevant media channels to actively communicate appropriate disposal options for vehicles and litter

Shire Rangers

Ongoing

Annual Firebreak Notices distributed to all property owners advising of requirements to reduce fire hazard and risk, complemented with an annual inspection process.

With the assistance of the Bushfire Advisory Committee Working Group review and update the Firebreak Notice.

Shire Rangers / BFAC / Assets / Planinng

Annually

Education regarding responsible camping options and open fire risk through camping brochure and one on one interaction.

Continue to interact with campers.

Review and update the Camping Brochure

Shire Rangers Annually

26

Provision of sun shade spaces in well used public areas

Monitor shade structure integrity Shire Parks and Gardens

Annually

Provision of shade at Shire coordinated events

Continue to provide shade options at events

Shire events teams As relevant

Safer Roads and Pathways

Shire Rangers monitor parking in line with local laws. Penalties applied by way of infringement for non-compliance.

Shire Rangers resolve stock on road reports immediately due to the possibility of loss of life.

Utilise media channels to communicate parking requirements. Enforce parking Local Laws

Undertake regular patrols of fencing and notify owners of compliance requirements where required.

Shire Rangers

Ongoing

The Shire’s Asset Management Plan was adopted in 2013 and aims to ensure Shire road assets, signage, park infrastructure and playgrounds and footpaths are maintained at an optimal safe and functional standard fit for purpose.

Repair roads / pathways as required.

Continue to implement the actions outlined in the Shires Asset Management Plan 2013 – 2033

Shire Asset Management Team

Annually

The Shire developed a “Consider our kids, please drive slowly” bin sticker campaign

The Shire manages the Crash Car trailer to encourage motorists to drive safely

Seek external funding to continue sticker campaign in new areas.

Update programmed locations and schedule.

Shire Community Development team

Shire Community Development team / WA Police

Annually

Annually

27

Goal 2 : Crime Prevention

Outcome: 2.1 Incidences of crime are reduced

Strategy Current initiatives Actions Responsibility When

Surveillance The Shire has installed Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) in the Margaret River Town Square and Cowaramup Skate Park to deter anti-social behaviour as well as assist in identifying persons of interest when incidents do occur.

Continue to manage, maintain and monitor CCTV requirements

Shire and WA Police As required

Develop a CCTV management Policy for adoption by Council

Shire Community Development Team

2015

Shire Works, Emergency Services and Ranger teams’ support Police intelligence

Maintain regular contact with Police and provide relevant information as required

Works, Emergency Services and Rangers

Ongoing

The Shire participates in the WA Police Eyes on the Street Program and conducts training so people can assist in providing information to Police to help maintain a safe community.

Shire to support WA Police in delivery of the program locally

Shire Community Development Team and WA Police

Annually

Partnerships The Shire participates in a range of forums and working groups to proactively engage crime prevention strategies

Investigate the formation of a formal Crime Prevention Working Group comprising Shire, Police, Business and other relevant stakeholders.

Shire Community Development Team and WA Police

2015

Education and Awareness Raising

The Shire, the WA Police and the Margaret River Liquor Forum hosted a Responsible Service of Alcohol Refresher Course in 2014

Liquor Forum Posters and media campaigns

Continue to determine through the Margaret River Liquor Forum education requirements for liquor licensees and patrons

Seek seed funding to conduct a media campaign regarding WA

The Margaret River Liquor Forum

As required

28

alcohol laws and other issues tabled at Liquor Forum meetings

Media releases related to crime prevention initiatives and known issues are regularly distributed to raise awareness and seek community support

Continue to distribute media releases promoting crime prevention strategies / awareness.

Marketing and Events Officer

Ongoing as

required

Community Engagement

The Shire’s Street Party concept aims to bring neighbourhoods and community together

Promote the Street Party concept to the wider community

Shire Community Development Team

Ongoing

The Shire’s ‘Community Connect’ program builds capacity and connectedness for local groups and neighbourhoods

Review the ‘Community Connect’ program and communicate to relevant stakeholders

Community Development Officer

2015

Community members often provide information and suggestions relating to community safety

Continue to register and respond to community feedback

All of Shire Ongoing

Undertake a crime prevention survey / lighting audit to better understand and resolve known hot spots

Shire Community Development Team

2016

Graffiti Management

Graffiti hot line program in place

Continue to promote the Graffiti hotline program

Shire Community Development and Assets Teams

Annually

Urban Art programs aimed at youth to promote constructive art / creativity projects

Seek external funding to support further urban art programs

Senior Community Development Officer

Annually

CCTV has been installed at a known graffiti hot spot

Activate CCTV at Cowaramup Skate Park and monitor results

Senior Community Development Officer

2015 - 2018

29

Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design

Town planning staff apply Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) principles when assessing development applications

Maintain Crime Prevention through Environmental Design skill levels of planning / building assessment staff

Promote CPTED principles to wider community.

Shire Planning Staff Annually

Goal 3: Effective Emergency Management

Outcome: 3.1 Effective Emergency Management Systems

Strategy Current initiatives Actions Responsibility When

Formalised structures and arrangements in place to assist emergency management

Shire Emergency Management Arrangements are in place to ensure fast, effective and professional response to emergencies

Annual update of Shire’s Emergency Contacts and Resource List

Review and maintain Emergency Management Arrangements

Shire and relevant stakeholders

Ongoing

Participation in Welfare Exercises coordinated by the Department of Child Protection and Family Support

Continue to be involved in external agency exercises

Shire and Incident Support Group members

Ongoing

Participation in Department of Fire and Emergency Services table top exercises

Implement relevant actions from the Shire / Department of Fire and Emergency Services Business Plan

Shire and Department of Fire and Emergency Services

2015-2017

30

Coordination of Shire Recovery tabletop exercises and testing of internal arrangements

Coordinate Recovery table top exercises which test internal arrangements

Community Emergency Services Manager and Manager Community Development & Safety

Annually

Regular training and development of volunteer Bushfire Brigade Services

Support ongoing training and development of Bushfire Brigade volunteers

Community Emergency Services Manager / Chief Bushfire Control Officer

Ongoing

Interagency Support is coordinated through the Incident Support Group

Undertake a Tabletop exercise that mobilises the Incident Support Group

Community Emergency Services Manager / Manager Community Development & Safety

Nov 2015 &

Nov 2017

Strong Partnerships

The Shire facilitates the Local Emergency Management Committee and Bushfire Advisory Committee and participates in a variety of other relevant forums

Continue to coordinate and utilise the Local Emergency Management Committee and Bushfire Advisory Committee as key forums to foster strong interagency relationships.

Shire and relevant partners

Quarterly

Continue to actively participate in other related emergency management forums i.e. South West Local Government Emergency Management Arrangement

Shire and relevant partners

As relevant

31

Manage the Emergency Services Levy Continue to manage the Emergency Services Levy

Community Emergency Services Manager

Quarterly

Respond to and resolve community and stakeholder queries as required

Provide timely and accurate advice and feedback to community and stakeholders as required

Shire and relevant stakeholders

Ongoing

Support to Community Emergency Services Manager role

Memorandum of Understanding developed between Shire and Department of Fire and Emergency Services 2014-2017

Revise Shire / Department of Fire and Emergency Services MOU for the Community Emergency Services Manager role

Manager Community Development & Safety/ Department of Fire and Emergency Services

2017

Shire / DFES Business Plan 2014-2017

Monitor Business Plan actions / outcomes

Manager Community Development & Safety / Department of Fire and Emergency Services

Quarterly

Quarterly meetings between Shire management, Community Emergency Services Manager and Department of Fire and Emergency Services

Hold regular meetings between Department of Fire and Emergency Services , Community Emergency Services Manager and Shire

Shire / Department of Fire and Emergency Services

Quarterly

Ongoing training and development of Community Emergency Services Manager

Implement Community Emergency Services Manager training and Development plan

Shire / Department of Fire and Emergency Services

Annually

Bushfire Risk Management Program

Participation in the Department of Fire and Emergency Services / Office of Bushfire Risk Mitigation Pilot program

Finalise Bushfire Risk Management Program treatment program and secure funding from Department of Fire and Emergency Services to undertake related works

Community Emergency Services Manager / Manager Community Development &Safety

2015

32

Development of treatment plan for Gnarabup / Prevelly locality

Pending decisions related to funding / resourcing, progress with the Bushfire Risk Management Program development

Manager Community Development &Safety / Department of Fire and Emergency Services and relevant stakeholders

2015-2018

Building of preparedness and community resilience to reduce the impact of and enhance recovery from a disaster

Development and implementation of strategies including the ‘Get Ready’ program that have assisted:

Personal Preparedness

Property Preparedness

Business preparedness

Vulnerable communities preparedness

Shire preparedness

Assisted by coordination of the following groups:

Augusta Margaret River Emergency Preparedness Working Group

Fire Risk Management Group

Assisted through employment of a community engagement officer (grant funded) and engagement of community volunteers

Implement preparedness strategies in line with resource capacity and direction/ feedback from relevant working groups

Shire and partners Ongoing

Investigate external funding options to assist community preparedness initiatives

Shire and partners 2015

Continue to chair multi-agency Augusta Margaret River Emergency Preparedness Working Group

Shire Ongoing

33

Review process

The Plan will be reviewed at the end of 2019 with community and interagency feedback

sought to assess success of the current Plan and assist refinement and development of the

next iteration of the Safer Communities Plan.

34

References

Australian Bureau of Statistics. 2011. http://www.censusdata.abs.gov.au/census_services/getproduct/census/2011/communityprofile/LGA50280?opendocument&navpos=220 (accessed 23 January, 2015)

Australian Federal Police. 2012. Strategic Plan 2012-2015 http://www.afp.gov.au/en/about-the-afp/governance/strategic-plan (accessed 23 January 2015)

Australian Safe Communities Foundation. 2012. Pacific / Australian Safe Community Designation – Indicators and Process Guidebook. http://www.safecommunities.net.au/index.php/resources (accessed 10 Dec, 2014)

City of Melville. 2013. Community Safety and Crime Prevention Framework

Injury Control Council of WA. 2013. Safe Communities. https://www.iccwa.org.au/safe-communities.html 2013 (accessed 9 Jan 2015)

Injury Control Council of WA. 2015. Annual Report 2014 https://www.iccwa.org.au/useruploads/files/annual_reports/final_2014_annual_report_low_res.pdf (accessed 23 January 2015)

Mental Health Commission (n.d.) Mental Health 2020 http://www.mentalhealth.wa.gov.au/Libraries/pdf_docs/Mental_Health_Commission_strategic_plan_2020.sflb.ashx (accessed 23 January 2015)

National Public Health Partnership (NPHP). 2004. The National Injury Prevention and Safety Promotion Plan: 2004-2014. Canberra: NPHP

Office of Crime Prevention. 2009. Community Safety and Crime Prevention Profile, Shire of Augusta Margaret River 2009-2010 http://communitysafety.police.wa.gov.au/images/crime-profiles/Augusta-Margaret%20River%202009-10.pdf (accessed 23 January 2015.)

Shire of Augusta Margaret River. 2013. Corporate Plan 2013-2017 http://www.amrshire.wa.gov.au/utilities/site-search/?globalsearch%5Bterm%5D=corporate+plan (accessed 23 January 2015)

Shire of Augusta Margaret River. 2013. Injury Profile. Unpublished

Shire of Augusta Margaret River. 2014. Local Profile http://www.amrshire.wa.gov.au/utilities/site-search/?globalsearch%5Bterm%5D=local+profile&globalsearch%5Bsearch%5D=search (accessed 23 January, 2014)

35

South West Development Commission. 2014. Regional Blueprint http://www.swdc.wa.gov.au/media/230871/sw%20blueprint%20report_june2014_small.pdf (accessed 23 January 2015)

State Emergency Management Committee. 2015. Emergency Management Policy https://www.semc.wa.gov.au/policyandlegislation/policiesandplans/Pages/default.aspx (assessed 23 January 2015)

State Emergency Management Committee. 2015. Natural Disaster Resilience Program (accessed 23 January, 2015)

The Office of Crime Prevention. n.d. Community Safety & Crime Prevention Planning Manual Government of Western Australia

Western Australian Planning Commission. 2006. Designing out Crime Planning Guidelines http://www.planning.wa.gov.au/dop_pub_pdf/docguidelines.pdf (accessed 22 January, 2015)

Western Australian Police. 2011. Crime Prevention Strategy 2011-2014 http://www.police.wa.gov.au/LinkClick.aspx?fileticket=ycQdhjG66NM%3D&tabid=1525 (accessed 23 January 2014)

Shire of Augusta-Margaret River

Main Administration Office

41 Wallcliffe Road (PO Box 61)

Margaret River 6285

P: 08 9780 5255, F: 08 9757 2512

Office Hours: Mon to Fri, 9am – 4pm

Phone enquiries: 8am – 4.30pm

Augusta Administration Office

66 Allnutt Terrace

Augusta 6290

P: 08 9780 5660, F: 08 9758 0033

Office Hours: Mon to Fri, 9am – 4pm

(closes for lunch 12pm — 1pm)

Phone enquiries 8am – 4.30pm

www.amrshire.wa.gov.au

amrshire@amrshire.wa.gov.au

If you are deaf, or have a hearing impairment or speech impairment, contact us through the National Relay Service: TTY users phone 133 677 then ask for

08 9780 5255

Speak and Listen users phone

1300 555 727

then ask for 08 9780 5255

Internet relay users connect to the NRS

(www.relayservice.com.au) and then ask for

08 9780 5255