The Country Mayors Association of NSW (CMA) has hosted a special meeting with NSW Minister for Police & Counter Terrorism, Yasmin Catley, to discuss rural and regional crime concerns and initiatives.
Held online, Minister Catley (pictured with officers in Goulburn) was joined in the meeting by NSW Police Deputy Commissioner, Paul Pisanos.
CMA Chairman, Mayor Rick Firman OAM described the meeting was “most worthwhile”.
“The Board and Members of CMA who were in attendance appreciated the frankness of both the Minister and Deputy Commissioner. We appreciate the initiative of Operation Soteria, launched late last month to address an escalation of violence in offenders aged 11 to 16 years of age, across Western and Northern parts of the State,” said Mayor Firman.
The new NSW Police Operation Soteria unit of up to 60 dedicated police is set to target regional hotspots including Moree, Tamworth, Dubbo, Orange, Tweed Heads, Coffs Harbour, Kempsey, Taree, and Newcastle over the next three months.
“The CMA Board believes that this is a positive step forward for our member communities who have been experiencing very concerning crime behaviour,” said Mayor Firman.
“The Board is aware these problems are not consistent right cross our 89 Member Council footprint in NSW, so the decisive, targeted action by our Police Force seems practical.
“For some rural and regional Local Government areas, crime is not the concern that it is in others. However, we need to continue standing up those who are going through a tough time, which is completely unacceptable.
“Country Mayors should not see crime rate increases far higher than their Sydney counterparts and that has been the case in some areas. We are heartened that the Police Minister and Deputy Commissioner are connecting directly with country Mayors.
“Through communication and collaboration, NSW Police and country Mayors will make our communities safer. There is no single solution but many, and we want to be a part of those solutions, where appropriate,” he said.
Mayor Firman said CMA Members were looking forward to again hosting Minister Catley and Deputy Commissioner Pisanos at the group’s Crime, Law & Order themed meeting on 8 August at NSW Parliament House.
“While country Mayors severely impacted by youth crime will be monitoring Operation Soteria, our August meeting will be well timed to reflect on the operation, its’ taskforce’s actions and outcomes,” he said.
