Wellington Shire Council is seeking the support of Deputy Premier Troy Grant for NSW government funding for a crime prevention plan to tackle its ice and crime problems.
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The council has also called an extraordinary meeting on August 12, to discuss the stoning of cars passing the town's skate park, possible closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras and security fencing there, security upgrades at the library and using ratepayer-funding of extra police patrols.
Wellington council has invited Mr Grant, the Dubbo MP and Police Minister, to attend the next meeting of its Crime Prevention Committee on Wednesday after more negative media attention on the use of crystal methylamphetamine (ice) and antisocial problems in the shire.
"Given Mr Grant's knowledge of the local area, both as a Member of Parliament and former police officer, I'm confident he understands the extent of the ice problem in Wellington," Wellington mayor Rod Buhr said.
"Ice does not discriminate. It impacts people from all backgrounds, regardless of age, race, gender or geographic location.
"Given the magnitude of this problem it is incumbent on local, state and federal governments to build a united front to confront this ice epidemic."
Mr Grant and Assistant Health Minister Pru Goward last week announced $4 million across four years to tackle ice in NSW regional and rural communities.
But, Councillor Buhr feels strategies in the crime prevention plan are also needed if the town is going to tackle the drug.
Cr Buhr said while Wellington was one of hundreds of rural communities struggling to deal with the ice problem, it had been the subject of much negative media attention in recent weeks.
A segment on the 7.30 Report resulted in international coverage in the United Kingdom's Daily Mail and brought A Current Affair to the town's doorstep.
"It has contributed to a greater awareness about the extent of the problem," Cr Buhr said.
"However, on its own a heightened consciousness of drug issues will not deliver tangible outcomes for communities whose reputations have been tarnished by the growing scourge of ice.
"That is why it is so important the NSW government provides the funding needed to implement these strategies."
The Crime Prevention Plan has been sent to the NSW Attorney-General and, if endorsed, council can apply for funding grants.
The plan includes the distribution of drug education material in schools and a youth mentoring program.
Following the latest spike in crime, which cost residents thousands of dollars, council has also called an extraordinary meeting for Wednesday, August 12.
After residents had their windscreens smashed while driving past the skate park ratepayer-funded police patrols will be on the agenda.
"The complete removal of the skate park is something we may have to talk about," Cr Buhr said.
Security at the library is also on the agenda after a staff member was spat at last week. The library has also been the target of ongoing vandalism.
Security upgrades at the library such as CCTV, key pad entry and panic alarms will be considered.
On Thursday, Orana Local Area Command Inspector Scott Tanner will chair a Gungie Origin community meeting at Wellington Information and Neighbourhood Services centre which will be attended by major government agencies, including the Family and Community Services Child Protection Unit.
It will focus on antisocial issues involving young people.
