Document Actions
Property Surveillance and Security Levy
The property surveillance and security charge covers a range of programs and services to improve neighbourhood amenity.
The security levy of $36.50 covers safety programs and services such as the Community Liaison & Security Service (CLSS) that aims to create a safer, more secure community via 24-hour surveillance and liaison. The CLSS, which exists to support our Police and not to replace them, comprises a number of clearly marked vehicles operating throughout the City of Melville at all times.
Officers respond to calls on a wide range of issues from disorderly conduct of youths to robbery of shops. Patrols attend around 150 to 200 incidents per week.
Why do I pay for it when I only own vacant land?
The property surveillance and security charge covers a range of programs and services to improve neighbourhood amenity. These include the reporting of graffiti and community development programs for groups such as at-risk youth and the elderly. The aim is to improve overall safety and security, and make Melville a great place. This helps to maintain property values for owners.
Vacant land can be damaged (e.g. fences), have material dumped without authorisation, or people may congregate and cause a nuisance (e.g. drug use & discard used needles).
In addition, some vacant land is improved during the year with new building construction. The CLSS can observe and report on any problems during this important phase when the building is mostly not occupied.