The 2021/22 State Budget delivers a suite of community safety initiatives for Kalgoorlie-Boulder.
The measures aim to tackle anti-social behaviour, reduce crime and improve police responses across the Kalgoorlie-Boulder community.
$1 million has been provided for a significant expansion to closed circuit television systems.
The upgrade will boost the city's existing network and add new locations that can be accessed by police, both locally and in real time at the State Operations Command Centre during a critical incident.
Significantly it includes Automated Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras for entry and exit into Kalgoorlie.
This sophisticated technology will result in the location of wanted suspects, missing persons and the resolution of serious crime investigations.
Five extra specialist police officers are also being deployed to Kalgoorlie as part of an initial allocation from the Government's 950 additional police officers program.
Funding of $2.5 million is also provided to commence the roll-out of a Banned Drinkers Register - to target problem drinkers and restrict their access to takeaway alcohol.
The Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries will soon begin extensive consultation with licensees and other key stakeholders.
There is also significant investment for road safety upgrades in Kalgoorlie and the wider Goldfields region including:
- $52 million for Coolgardie Esperance Highway at Emu Rocks.
- $20.4 million for sealing of shoulders and installation of audible edge lines on Great Eastern Highway, Goldfields Highway and Coolgardie-Esperance Highway.
- $160,000 to construct a new traffic island on John Street, Kalgoorlie to improve intersection layout, including pedestrian crossings for primary school children.
The announcements in this budget build on a comprehensive package of community safety initiatives delivered for the Kalgoorlie community in the past two McGowan Government Budgets.
This includes the establishment of a Family and Domestic Violence One Stop Hub and the Target 120 early intervention program - providing tailored support for at-risk young people and their families.
As stated by Police Minister Paul Papalia:
"Residents deserve to feel safe and secure in their community and in their neighbourhood.
"We're funding important initiatives like the significant expansion of the city's CCTV capability, to help police disrupt and investigate crime.
"The Automatic Number Plate Recognition technology will not only help Kalgoorlie Police to detect dangerous drivers, it will help identify persons of interest or those wanted for crimes.
"The McGowan Government is committed to reducing crime and keeping the community safe."
As stated by Kalgoorlie MLA Ali Kent:
"I know for many Kalgoorlie-Boulder residents, crime and anti-social behaviour remain a real concern.
"I've heard people's worries over the past 12 months and have been advocating strongly for more community safety initiatives.
"I'm thrilled the initiatives in this budget will support our hardworking Kalgoorlie police.
"The expansion of CCTV across the city will give our local business owners confidence.
"I'm proud to be a member of a Government that is committed to strengthening community safety in Kalgoorlie-Boulder."
