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Concerns over Morwell CBD safety spur police action following advocacy from The Nationals' Member for Morwell, Martin Cameron

Morwell CBD safety concerns prompt police action after lobbying from MP Martin Cameron, citing rising crime, business impacts, and community fears. Police plan operations targeting anti-social behaviour, but Cameron urges further government action.

By news@gippsland - 30th January 2025 - Back to News

Rising concerns over community safety in the Morwell central business district have prompted action after extensive lobbying from The Nationals' Member for Morwell, Martin Cameron. Mr Cameron has written to the Minister for Police and Chief Commissioner of Police on several occasions, sharing reports from business owners, shoppers and public transport commuters who feel increasingly unsafe in the Morwell CBD.

Growing safety concerns in Morwell CBD prompt action after lobbying from Nationals MP Martin Cameron, highlighting reports from business owners, shoppers, and commuters feeling unsafe

Morwell safety concerns

Mr Cameron said, "We have a serious problem with anti-social behaviour in the Morwell town centre and it's having a disastrous impact on small businesses, but more importantly, community safety. Every day my office is contacted by business owners and retailers at their wits' end, after yet another instance of theft, vandalism, and in some cases serious assault."

"The Minister has advised local police that they are planning an operation to crack down on anti-social behaviour in Morwell, especially around the Morwell train station and bus interchange. I'm also told local police have been advised to use move-on powers and provide a prompt response to any reports of concerning behaviour," he said.

Crime concerns rise

Mr Cameron added, "I've been raising the need for more police resources and a dedicated presence of protective services officers (PSOs) at Morwell and other regional train stations for two years, and those issues still haven't been addressed. The Morwell electorate has the highest crime rate of any municipality in Victoria outside of metropolitan Melbourne, and now business owners and residents are telling us they don't feel safe."

"The Allan Labor Government is not doing enough to address rising crime which has been exacerbated by over 1000 vacancies in Victoria Police, weakened bail laws, and scrapping of the Minister for Crime Prevention. Residents feel scared, and Labor needs to start listening to Victorian communities and prioritising their safety," concluded Mr Cameron.

Pictures from Latrobe City Council Facebook page.

Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: news@gippsland.com