Mandurah’s popular night-time taxi rank has been awarded for its focus on community safety.
The initiative received a Highly Commended at the recent Injury Prevention and Safety Promotion Awards.
The awards, announced on November 23, aim to recognise the action and excellence of those working to prevent injury and promote safety in Western Australia.
Members of the Mandurah Liquor Accord joined forces to provide a secure taxi rank on Mandurah Terrace, aimed to boost the safety and security of taxi drivers and passengers with enhanced safety measures.
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Since August 2013, the Mandurah Secured Night-Time Taxi Rank Project has delivered CCTV installation, improved lighting for increased facial recognition by the CCTV, upgraded signage, water refill station installation in the Smart Street Mall, setting up an additional taxi rank at Ormsby Terrace, taxi driver training, linking the CCTV system to existing CCTV network, and a night-time taxi rank security guard on Friday and Saturday nights.
The project has helped deliver a decline in assault offences, robbery, damage and fare evasion and this has been supported by WA Police and project statistics.
Results include:
- Increase in patrons using the rank from 168 in 2013 to 384 in 2017;
- Fare evasions dropped from 244 (2011-2013) to 101 (2015-2017);
- Robbery declined from 12 incidents (2011-2013) to five (2015-2017);
- Incidents of damage reduced from 98 (2011-2013) to 52 (2015-2017); and
- Assault offences reduced from 100 (2011-2013) to 73 2015-2017).
The City of Mandurah partnered with various organisations to implement the project including Mandurah Taxis, Black and White Taxis, Brighton Hotel, Rollercoaster Club (formerly Players Bar) and Norma Jean's Retro Bar (formerly Toucan Night Club).
Mayor Rhys Williams said everyone had a role in play in making Mandurah safe and enjoyable and congratulated the Mandurah Liquor Accord on injury prevention and reducing anti-social incidents.
“Prior to the project, local incidents of anti-social behaviour against taxi drivers were at unacceptable levels,” he said.
“The Mandurah Liquor Accord has demonstrated that by working together, they have enhanced the safety in our entertainment area... and this makes a significant difference to the health and wellbeing of taxi drivers and the community.”
“The principle of the taxi rank project was that all licensed venues had a role in contributing to a safe experience, and we will continue to work together so that locals and visitors enjoy their visit.”
Over the past five years, the Mandurah Liquor Accord has delivered some significant achievements including the introduction of a number of public safety and community programs.
These have included the Pilot Radio Project designed to improve communication between licensed venues, Safer Mandurah Taxi Ranks, Family Friendly Foreshore Signage, and the Hit the Gym not Jim campaign.
The City continues to work with State and Federal government, businesses, community groups and residents to ensure community safety and crime prevention has a well-rounded approach.
The City would like to hear from interested licenced premises who may like to get involved in the Mandurah Liquor Accord. For details, contact the City's Community Safety Team on 9550 3777.
