Statement from Mayor Louise Crawford on today’s Council Watch post regarding Community Safety

The news item posted to Council Watch’s Facebook page accusing Port Phillip Council Officers of blocking Councillor attempts to introduce safety-related motions is incorrect, irresponsible, and potentially defamatory.

We are aware of the ongoing safety concerns in our community and have discussed this extensively as a Councillor group since our election in November.

We have already unanimously passed a Notice of Motion outlining several steps we’ll be taking including my recent letter to Police Commissioner Shane Patton.

Council Officers have provided advice – at times – around what is possible legislatively, as is their responsibility. This does not equate to blocking, nor does it suggest Council Officers aren’t committed to ensuring our community feels safe.

I have written to Dean Hurlston this afternoon and requested that the post be removed immediately with this statement uploaded in its place.

With a range of initiatives being considered to address safety at present, this type of false reporting is distracting, unhelpful and designed to create division and anger. Our community – and his readers – deserve better.