An initiative to provide a safe space for social media purchases, such as second-hand goods from Marketplace, has been criticised as a “cost that should be better spent on other things”.

From April 1, the City of Stirling will implement a 12-month trial to provide a “well-lit” and “high traffic area” on Beaufort Street that people can use to exchange money and goods.

The Safer Exchange Site, is an idea borrowed from Victorian Police, but unlike its eastern states partner, Perth’s safe space will be outside a bank – rather than a police station – on a bustling street.  

City of Stirling councillor Elizabeth Re says the area is frequented by undesirables and, at $3000, is money that could be better spent elsewhere.

She said that there are already safe alternatives for people to exchange goods.

“Let’s get real here, if you’re selling something on the internet [and] you thought something was dodgy, go to a shopping centre,” Ms Re said.

“A shopping centre already has cameras…there are alternatives.”

“Why should the rate payers be paying for that?

But City of Stirling deputy mayor Suzanne Migdale says the program is worthwhile.

In council minutes she said that the idea behind the program is to address the increasing levels of violence in exchanging goods purchased online, which have been brought up consistently in council.

According to a brochure published by the Department of Justice Victim Support Services, a victim of a crime can experience a whole range of trauma symptoms, which can be mild, moderate, through to extreme.

“There can be an amalgamation of mental health and drug and alcohol issues that can affect each person differently,” it states.

But Ms Re says that there have been complaints about violence on Beaufort Street.

“So, you are going to put in another factor to contribute to the violence.

“You’re not listening to the people,” Ms Re Said.