Ongoing crime in Geraldton and Mullewa and the Labor government’s failure to act is deeply concerning according to The Nationals WA.
Nationals’ candidate for Geraldton, Kirrilee Warr said despite ongoing community efforts and calls for intervention, levels of unsociable activity in Mullewa continue to escalate, with a recent spate of vehicle theft-burning and break ins.
“Creating significant challenges for residents, law enforcement, and local authorities, the impact of these criminal activities extends beyond mere statistics, affecting the safety, wellbeing, and quality of life for residents,” Ms Warr said.
Leader of the Opposition, Shane Love MLA has urged an immediate and concerted effort from all relevant stakeholders, including law enforcement agencies, government bodies, community leaders, and social service organisations to address this issue comprehensively.
Mr Love said the lack of meaningful action to curb crime by the Cook government was a matter of grave concern.
“We have seen this type of crime erupt in regional communities from the Kimberley and spread to the south and now it is impacting the Midwest and Geraldton,” he added.
“Continual ignorance of the issues must stop.
“It undermines the trust and confidence of the community in the ability of law enforcement and governing bodies to ensure public safety but also perpetuates a cycle of criminal behaviour that can have long-term consequences for society.”
Ms Warr said the safety and wellbeing of our community must remain a top priority.
“I stand ready to collaborate and support any initiatives that contribute to creating a safer and more secure environment for all residents of Geraldton and Mullewa,” she added.
“At a community forum hosted by The Nationals WA in April, Mullewa residents and local business owners voiced their very real concerns.”
Ms Warr said the Mullewa community is crying out for help and it was compelling that many solutions have been suggested.
“The Nationals WA have launched a petition calling on the Cook government to implement targeted programs and initiatives aimed at prevention, rehabilitation and support for at-risk youth, as well as enhancing law enforcement strategies to deter and apprehend perpetrators of crime,” she said.
“It is time the Labor government took notice of the community’s concerns; I urge residents to sign The Nationals WA petition here – https://www.parliament.wa.gov.au/Parliament/LAePetitions.nsf/petitions/24-0006
