The City of Vincent has taken a decisive step towards making online buying and selling safer, with councillors voting unanimously to investigate establishing a dedicated safe trading site.
Council Unanimously Supports Safety Initiative
At its December council meeting, the City of Vincent voted in favour of a motion to begin preparations for the implementation of a secure exchange location. The motion, put forward by North Ward Councillor Nicole Woolf, calls for the council to examine the design, cost, and operational model for the site.
Councillor Woolf highlighted that online marketplaces are the source of the highest number of scam victims in Western Australia. She noted that police routinely advise the public to avoid meeting at private residences for transactions, recommending busy public locations instead.
"It certainly won't stop every kind of scam or every kind of threat, but once people are meeting in public in a well-lit place with CCTV, it becomes much harder for scams, intimidation and theft to occur," Cr Woolf stated.
Addressing a Growing Need for Secure Exchanges
The push for a safer alternative is driven by the pervasive risks associated with popular platforms like Facebook Marketplace. Councillors shared personal anecdotes and broader concerns to underline the urgency.
Deputy Mayor Alex Castle recounted a disturbing incident where a buyer at her home became involved in a potential domestic violence situation. "My willingness to intervene was directly influenced by the fact it happened outside my home," she explained. "If I inserted myself into that position, that person knew where I lived."
Councillor Suzanne Worner expressed regret that such a measure is necessary, stating, "I'm really sorry in the human race, basically, but it does." She emphasised the dual benefit of supporting both community safety and the circular economy of reusing goods.
Councillor Sophie Greer revealed her own safety precautions, saying, "I make sure I'm not home alone when I do stuff through Facebook Marketplace." She welcomed the prospect of having a local, secure spot for exchanges.
Looking to Other Models and the Future
The proposal looks to successful trials elsewhere for guidance. Cr Woolf pointed to Victoria, where safer exchange sites have been permanently established at 35 police stations following a successful pilot program.
Closer to home, Cr Greer suggested the city also examine data from the City of Stirling's own 12-month trial of a safe exchange zone, which is scheduled to conclude in May.
The motion does not constitute a final decision but mandates that a report with a recommended implementation model be brought back to the council within three months. This will allow for detailed planning and community consideration.
Mayor Alison Xamon endorsed the idea as "a very good and timely idea," adding that if the council can provide an extra layer of safety for residents, it is a positive move. Councillor Reece Wheadon framed the initiative as part of adapting public facilities to meet the expectations of a "new world" and an "ever-changing environment."
The proposed site is also seen as a way to overcome barriers for apartment dwellers who wish to participate in local sharing groups but lack a safe, neutral space for pick-ups.
