By Cindy McLeish
We have welcomed the first month of 2025 and with it, new changes and possibilities locally in the Yarra Ranges and at a state level.
For myself, I am excited to include the new role of Shadow Minister for Crime Prevention to my existing portfolios of Shadow Minister for Women and Prevention of Family Violence.
Being Shadow Minister for Crime Prevention goes hand in hand with my other portfolios and will allow me to work towards making our area, and Victoria, a safer place to live.
The Yarra Ranges is a great place to live and work, brimming with opportunity.
Crime numbers in the Yarra Ranges Shire are comparatively low, but trends are worrying.
We don’t want to see crime stats continue to climb in 2025.
Last year, Crime Statistics Victoria reported increases in crime throughout the Yarra Ranges Shire.
This includes a 121 per cent increase in residential aggravated burglary from 29 cases in 2023, to 64 cases in 2024.
Motor vehicle theft increased 66 per cent from 143 cases reported in 2023 to 237 in 2024.
On a positive note, theft from retail stores has dropped three per cent, from 461 cases in 2023 to 446 cases in 2024.
Although, this is still 446 too many.
The Allan Labor Government are not making crime prevention easier, considering in the past two years they have cut $11 million (46 per cent) to Crime Prevention programs, cut funding for proactive police programs, and cut the Specialist Crime Prevention Unit.
Further, the 1000 vacancies on police rosters are surely interfering with proactive prevention patrols to stop crime in its tracks – locally and statewide.
That’s why, in my Shadow Minister role I will focus on strengthening crime prevention and advocating for those in need to ensure families and the community feel safe to live and work.
As the local member, I am continuing my ongoing commitment to ensure the region is the best place to live.
I am raising important local issues in Parliament and going in to bat for the underdog to make community voices heard.
Easily the biggest community concern in the Yarra Ranges is the deplorable condition of our roads.
Quick fixes don’t last, and road users are sick and tired of damaging their cars from hitting potholes.
Road surfaces need serious repairs to make them safe of all road users, locals and visitors alike.
Thank you to the community members who contact my office to report dodgy roads and send photos of damage that I can bring to the Minister’s attention and raise in Parliament.
I encourage everyone to continue to do so.
At a State level, the Liberal Nationals, under Leader of the Opposition, Brad Battin, will focus on building a strong, alternative government, working hard to provide relief to families struggling with the cost of living, fixing the broken health system, and making our communities safe again.
There is much to look forward to in 2025 and many goals to kick.
I will continue striving to meet them all and represent the community.
