International recognition for Liverpool as a safe community

7 March 2019

Liverpool City has been officially recognised as a Pan Pacific Safe Community – a strong, cohesive, vibrant community, where citizens actively participate in public life.

Liverpool Mayor Wendy Waller said the announcement on 7 March was the result of three years of hard work from Council, Liverpool City Police Area Command, other government and non-government organisations and the community.

“Liverpool is only the second NSW city to join a international community of around 60 cities to achieve Pan Pacific Safe Community accreditation,” Mayor Waller said.

“It could never have happened without strong local partnerships and collaboration and I am proud of the leadership Council has shown throughout the process.

“Working closely with local stakeholders, we have identified domestic violence, road accident trauma, drugs and alcohol and fall-and-trip-related injuries to the elderly as Liverpool City’s top priorities for community safety. This has allowed us to work with service providers and our community on programs targeting each of these problems.”

The Safe Community Model is internationally recognised and follows a set of core criteria that emphasises community leadership, participation, communication and networking.

To achieve Pan Pacific Safe Communities accreditation, Liverpool had to undergo a rigorous application process, focusing on programs aimed at reducing injury and crime in the community.

“The formation of the Liverpool Community Safety and Crime Prevention Advisory Committee and the subsequent formulation of a drug and alcohol policy for Liverpool are examples of these programs,” Mayor Waller said.

“We have also had great success through a number of great local road safety initiatives run by Council, Liverpool City PAC and other local organisations. Roads and Maritime Services data shows the number of crashes resulting in injury continued to decrease from 2015 to 2017, as did the percentage of crashes where speed was a factor.

“I’d like to thank all the members of the Liverpool Community Safety and Crime Prevention Advisory Committee for their tireless work and commitment.”