Mayors from Maribyrnong, Hobsons Bay, Brimbank, Wyndham and Melton are calling for more visible, local police across Melbourne’s west.

Our police play a vital role in our communities. 

They respond in difficult and dangerous situations. They support victims, protect our traders and help people feel safe.

But local police resources have not kept pace with the growth and needs of our communities.

Recent attacks on traders, including the shocking assault in Sunshine, have shaken Melbourne’s west.

At the same time, public access to Footscray Police Station has been reduced to three days a week, while the Altona Police Station counter is closed overnight on weekends.

We support getting police out from behind desks and into the community.

But it must not be one or the other. 

Our communities deserve accessible police stations and more police on our streets.

Councils are doing our part. We are cleaning streets, improving public spaces, supporting traders, investing in CCTV and working with local community services and outreach.

But councils cannot replace police.

This is not a criticism of the dedicated officers serving Melbourne’s west.

We value our police. They deserve our thanks, our support and the resources they need to do their jobs.

Together, we are calling on the Victorian Government to:

• increase visible neighbourhood policing across Melbourne’s west
•  improve access to local police stations
• ensure police resources keep pace with population growth, and
•  further investment  in the mental health, homelessness and alcohol and other drug services that support police and prevent problems from escalating.

Our traders deserve to feel safe at work and our communities deserve to feel safe in their streets.

Melbourne’s west deserves better.

Quotes attributable to Wyndham Mayor, Cr Mia Shaw

“Wyndham is one of the fastest-growing communities in Australia, but essential services have not kept pace.

“Our residents deserve police resources that match our growth. This is about keeping families safe and making sure Wyndham receives its fair share.”

Quotes attributable to City of Maribyrnong Mayor, Cr Mohamed Semra

“Everyone deserves to feel safe in Footscray and across Maribyrnong.

“Council is doing its part, but we cannot replace police. We need more visible police on our streets and a police station our community can access when they need help.”

Quotes attributable to Hobsons Bay Mayor, Cr Diana Grima

“Our local police play an essential role in keeping Hobsons Bay safe.

“People need to know they can walk into their local police station and get help. Altona needs accessible police services backed by a strong local police presence.”

Quotes attributable to Brimbank Mayor, Cr Virginia Tachos

“The shocking attack on a Sunshine trader has deeply affected our community.

“Our traders should be able to go to work without fear. We need urgent action and more police protecting our businesses, residents and streets.”

Quotes attributable to City of Melton Mayor, Cr Lara Carli

“Melton is growing rapidly and our police and frontline services must grow with us.

“We are ready to work in partnership with the Victorian Government and Victoria Police to deliver the visible, local police presence our community needs.”