The Bathurst Community Safety Plan 2011 – 2014 is the Bathurst Regions first Community Safety Plan. The development of a Community Safety Plan does not mean that Bathurst is an unsafe area. The development of a Community Safety Plan ensures the ongoing implementation of crime prevention strategies which will support the ongoing growth of the Bathurst Region as a healthy, socially cohesive and safe community.

Bathurst Regional Council has taken a lead role in developing the Bathurst Community Safety Plan 2011 – 2014. However, Council recognises that successful crime prevention outcomes depend on taking a collaborative approach in all crime prevention initiatives. The Bathurst Community Safety Plan has been developed in partnership with key agencies and groups in the Bathurst Region. These partnerships ensure effective utilisation of infrastructure, resources, skills and capabilities of existing organisations. The Plan will enable a co-ordinated community approach to crime prevention initiatives in the Bathurst Region.

The plan takes a preventative approach to crime in the Bathurst Region by focusing on the underlying causes of four priority offences. Extensive statistical research and local community consultation was undertaken to determine the key safety concerns and crime patterns in the Bathurst Region. The four priority crimes were selected after developing a thorough understanding of local crime problems, where and when crime occurs, who is committing the crime and who is affected by each crime.

The four priority crimes selected as the focus for this Plan are:

 Malicious damage to property;

 Steal from motor vehicle;

 Non-domestic violence related assault; and

 Break and enter dwelling.

A range of initiatives with a crime prevention focus have been selected for the Plan. These initiatives range from undertaking lighting audits in public spaces, exploring transport options during summer and developing education campaigns targeting hotspots.

Community safety is not only Council's responsibility. The entire Bathurst community has an important role in maintaining safety within the Bathurst region.

For further information download the Bathurst Community Safety Plan 2011 – 2014.

Print Friendly Versions of the Plan can be downloaded below:-

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Full Plan

Published Plan in Full Colour (not print friendly)

One of the first initiatives from the Community Safety Plan is a Business Safety Working Party.  The Working Party consists of representatives of the Police, Council, Bathurst Liquor Accord and Bathurst Business Chamber. The Working Party is conducting a survey on Business Safety in the Bathurst area. The survey is available from the Bathurst Business Chamber or can be sent to you from Council by contacting Deborah Munns, Community Project Officer - 6333 6146.