More steps to curb homophobic violence
A new operational strategy and management team to be implemented by the Metropolitan Regional Police Command will help curb crime and homophobic behaviour, Sydney Lord Mayor Clover Moore says.
Moore this week endorsed a new operational strategy devised by the Metropolitan Area Command for dealing with crime hot spots like Oxford St and Taylor Square.
Under the plan, homophobic violence will be further targeted, with the implementation of a specific inspector to take responsibility for developing relationships within the GLBT community.
The new strategy will continue to emphasise high visibility policing, with plans to have mobile teams patrolling the inner city area to maintain public order in popular entertainment areas. It will also aim to increase cooperation between local area commands by encouraging them to share responsibilities when policing major events.
Moore said the plan would work in conjunction with other strategies implemented in the Surry Hills area to make Oxford St a safer place.
To support police, the city has provided CCTV cameras, better cleansing, upgraded lighting, free self-defence workshops and security officer training and the city’s Oxford St Safety Strategy has increased city ranger patrols, including coordinated campaigns with police, Moore said.
The Lord Mayor also took the opportunity to praise the new era of police relations in Surry Hills.
The city’s late trading premises development control plan (DCP) is also an integral part of ensuring community safety. The DCP strengthens the city’s ability to manage late trading impacts and clarifies appropriate hours, Moore continued.
She stressed the benefits of the flexible DCP which only allows approval for late night trading over trial period lengths of time.
The DCP is already being applied. The city refused the Gaff nightclub’s application to virtually double its size, following objections from many local residents. The DCP also provided the guide for the Land and Environment Court refusal for the DCM nightclub.
Why are the street beggers mostly Anglo and Indigenous orientated? Goes to show we have more problems with poverty in our own backyard more than we think. But then people tend to put themselves in these situations and its us honest tax payers that get a slap in the face. Does anybody care for Oliver?