ANNUAL REPORT 2007-2008 CITY OF GREATER GEELONG

COMMUNITY SAFETY AND SECURITY
CITY OF GREATER GEELONG ANNUAL REPORT 2007-2008
Objective
To create a sense of security throughout
the community.
Highlights
Recent amendments to the Domestic (Feral and
Nuisance) Animals Act 1994 has resulted in Council
developing the Domestic Animal (Dogs and Cats)
Management Plan. Adopted in June 2008, the plan
addresses three key areas; responsible pet ownership,
dogs in public places and leadership. The plan was
subject to significant community consultation and
following 904 submissions a management plan was
developed to balance the needs of the community while
promoting responsible pet ownership. The guiding
principles that underpin the actions are:
> The belief that pets contribute to our quality of life.
> A requirement to balance the needs of those who own
pets and those who do not.
> To value responsible pet ownership.
> Proactive animal management and education.
> Ensuring the environment is protected from the
negative impacts of dogs and cats.
> To work in partnership with others.
> Council playing a leadership role in animal
management.
The revised 2007 Liquor Accord was launched in
November following extensive work by the City of Greater
Geelong, the Geelong Nightlife and Bar Association,
Victoria Police and the Department of Criminology at
Deakin University. The first Liquor Accord was signed by
licensees in 1991 and aimed at reducing risks to the
public in and around licensed premises. It has been
revised several times since then to take into account
changing trends and public attitudes and has played an
important part in improving safety in the city area. The
revised Accord includes the introduction of the Night
Watch radio program, ID scanners at certain prominent
entertainment venues and the introduction of self-audit
checklists for venues signing up to the Accord.
Achievements
A Gold Award won by the City at the 2007 Victorian
Crime and Violence Prevention Awards was a tribute to an
excellent partnership between Council, Victoria Police,
Deakin University, Central Geelong traders and the
Geelong Nightlife Association. The award taken out by the
Central Geelong Safety Program was recognition of the
intensive work that had been done in reducing anti-social
behaviour in Central Geelong.
The City’s Learn to Swim program achieved record
numbers during 2007-2008 with over 11,000 term
enrolments. With classes available from six months of
age, children and adults learn water safety and survival
skills and develop stoke techniques in a fun and
progressive learning environment. The City also funded
and delivered 120 Learn to Swim scholarships across the
region.
The City was one of only two councils in Victoria to
complete a draft Influenza Pandemic Plan. The key
aspects of the plan are about ensuring business
continuity, effective communications to the community,
and supporting agencies as part of emergency
management planning. The City’s plan is now being used
as a template by the Department of Human Services.
Future Directions
The Domestic Animal (Dogs and Cats) Management
Plan implementation kicks off in 2008-2009 with several
actions scheduled in year one of the plan. Community
awareness and education on responsible pet ownership
and dogs in public places will be the main areas of focus.
Year two of the plan will see the introduction of cat
confinement between sunset and sunrise across the
municipality.
Central Geelong Safety remains a priority for this Council
with further security upgrades scheduled for the precinct.
Safety camera upgrades and lighting improvements will
continue and a 24-hour access public toilet will also be
installed in the precinct.
With the region currently under water restrictions imposed
by Barwon Water, greywater recycling in gardens is
becoming common practice amongst households.
Greywater in some cases may contain bacteria and
chemicals so it is important that it is used in a safe
manner. Council will assist the community by
implementing Waste Water Management strategies
that safeguard residential gardens in a safe manner.
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