The McGowan Government has announced a raft of new measures to tackle antisocial behaviour and boost safety in the Perth CBD and Northbridge.
The measures focus on a greater police and security presence, as well as boosting outreach and support for vulnerable people in the central business district, including those sleeping rough.
The additional measures announced today include:
- Investing $1 million in patrols by Aboriginal liaison and security service RooForce throughout the CBD and Northbridge;
- Increased police presence with a mobile command post in Yagan Square;
- Investing $1.5 million to improve outreach for those sleeping rough and deliver better co-ordination of services;
- A new Safe Perth City working group to be chaired by Perth MLA John Carey to co-ordinate efforts by WA Police, the Department of Communities and Department of Health, with the City of Perth and key outreach services to also be invited; and
- A $2.5 million upgrade of the Perth Train Station forecourt including better lighting, pedestrian movement and connection to Yagan Square.
The new measures come on top of previously announced increases in police presence for the City and Northbridge including an additional 100 officers deployed in the Perth Police District, and more patrols over the summer months as part of Operation Heat Shield 3.
Operation Heat Shield 3 will include more mounted police, canine unit, bike and beat patrols in and around entertainment and transport precincts to deter antisocial behaviour and provide reassurance to the public.
As stated by Police Minister Paul Papalia:
“The McGowan Government is committed to tackling antisocial behaviour in Northbridge and the Perth CBD.
“We are boosting our police presence throughout the CBD and Northbridge with 100 additional officers being deployed to the Perth Police District and more patrol hours as part of Operation Heat Shield 3.
“The City comes alive over summer and we will have a significant police presence throughout the CBD and Northbridge so people can relax and enjoy everything it has to offer.”
As stated by Transport Minister Rita Saffioti:
“We have been looking closely at the design of the Perth Train Station forecourt to improve both the functionality and safety of the space.
“We’ve already installed improved lighting at the entrance to the train station and we are currently in the process of implementing significant design changes to the train station forecourt.
“These changes are designed to increase foot traffic in the area, improve safety and enhance the connections between Yagan Square and the train station.”
As stated by Community Services Minister Simone McGurk:
“The McGowan Government already invests more than $108 million each year to support rough sleepers and people experiencing homelessness in WA, and this additional investment in outreach services for the CBD and Northbridge will help to connect more vulnerable people with the services that can assist them.
“In recent months, the State Government has opened two new services in central Perth for people experiencing homelessness who need help with getting into long-term housing or recover after a stint in hospital – the Boorloo Bidee Mia supported medium-term accommodation facility and WA’s first medical respite centre.
“We understand the challenges we face, and are investing unprecedented amounts in evidence-based solutions that support our long-term homelessness strategy.”
As stated by Perth MLA John Carey:
“These initiatives are another step in the right direction for making our CBD a safe and vibrant place for people to visit.
“We want to encourage as many people as possible to head out to the CBD and Northbridge this festive season – and my message is very simple: we will have a significant law enforcement presence in place to make sure everyone can safely enjoy everything our City has to offer.
“This is not just about addressing antisocial behaviour but also helping vulnerable people in our CBD, by assisting them into wrap-around support services.”
