Libs’ pledge to invest in safety

The Liberal Party has pledged to invest more than $3M in safety initiatives on the Central Coast if elected.

Shadow Minister for Community Safety, Migrant Services and Multicultural Affairs, Jason Wood, joined Liberal candidates Lucy Wicks (Robertson) and Brendan Small (Dobell) on the Coast last week to make the announcement.

The investment will come from a revitalised Safer Communities Fund, with $2.227M going to the Regional Youth Support Service (RYSS).

This will include $1.082M to operate a Youth Hub in Dobell plus $133,850 for the purchase and delivery of two portable classrooms, earmarked for Lake Haven.

It will also include $1.011M for the Gosford Youth Hub to bring the total funding for the program to $2M following the announcement of the $988,650 grant from the Federal Government recently.

This will expand the program to deliver services to youth aged from 10 to 25 and enable RYSS to deliver engagement outreach activities to Terrigal/Kincumber and Umina/Peninsula.

Central Coast Council will also receive $800,000 for the upgrade and operation of CCTV networks over a four-year period, including enhancements to the camera network at the Coral St multi-storey car park at The Entrance.

Wood said that protecting local communities was one of the most important tasks of any government.

“Lucy and Brendan have been great champions for investment in making Central Coast communities feel safer, and this investment will deliver effective anti-crime measures,” he said.

Liberal candidate for Robertson Lucy Wicks said this funding would mean people would feel safe in their community as they go about their lives.

“Investing in youth groups and support organisations that play a critical role in our community will help to keep young people off the path of crime and reduce recidivism,” she said.

“This funding will help deliver vital early intervention programs for high-risk youth and improve security around community spaces.

“Our community is fed up with crime.

“Countless locals have told me stories of break-ins that have scarred this community.

“This community deserves better, and I will fight every day for the safety and security of our community.”

Liberal candidate for Dobell Brendan Small said the important safety and outreach programs would make a huge difference in people’s lives.

“Community safety will be a core priority of a Dutton Liberal Government to ensure that Australians feel safe and supported,” he said.

“The upgrade and operation of CCTV networks will help tackle the rising crime problems facing the Central Coast.”