By ALANA MITCHELSON
CLOSED-CIRCUIT television (CCTV) surveillance cameras have at this stage been excluded from a $136,950 Federal Government grant to “rejuvenate” Pakenham’s Bourke Park.
Despite some confusion as Federal Member for McMillan Russell Broadbent announced the funding on Monday 23 May – during which he and Cardinia Shire CEO Garry McQuillan indicated that “at least four surveillance cameras” would be installed – the council later confirmed that no CCTV cameras had been funded.
Surveillance cameras had been discussed for a future phase of the project but no funding had been allocated at this stage, according to a council spokesperson.
Plans would, however, include additional path lighting, an extension of the footpath at the northern section of the park, horticultural landscaping works and an activation zone to create a “family friendly” space as part of the second round of the Safer Streets program.
Within the grant application, police identified the site as a “high risk community location” and reported an increase in the number of calls received over youths causing trouble in the park.
Earlier this year, the Gazette reported on an incident which involved up to 15 youths using skateboards and scooters to belt an adult male to the ground at Bourke Park in broad daylight on Tuesday 19 January.
Research found that community concerns focused on the “high degree of anti-social and criminal behaviour” at Bourke Park and the surrounding area near Pakenham train station. These included illicit drug and public alcohol abuse, illicit drug dealing, public urination, loitering, vandalism and assaults.
While the council responded in 2014 with infrastructure improvements including improved lighting, and the installation of two playgrounds, two shelters with picnic settings and two barbecues, the grant application determined “additional work is still required”.
“Anti-social behaviour and violent assaults have continued to take place since the initial revitalisation of the park,” the grant application read.
“The rates of recorded criminal offences in Bourke Park show that while there has been a decrease, offences are still occurring on a regular basis.”
The activation zone would encourage “passive surveillance“, according to the grant application. The area would include access to water and electricity to accommodate for food trucks.
“The grant will include more lighting, particularly along the bus stop area to improve safety for bus drivers and people accessing public transport,“ Cardinia CEO Mr McQuillan said.
“It will also encourage food trucks, soup vans and public events at the activation zone.”
Mr Broadbent said the investment would reduce crime and anti-social behaviour in McMillan.
“Mums and dads want to know their communities are safe and secure,” Mr Broadbent said.
“We’re doing this by using proceeds of crime – money confiscated from criminals – and reinvesting it in crime prevention projects. These are practical investment in communities that need help keeping residents safe.”
As part of the Safer Streets funding rollout, Warragul received $92,083 for the installation of 15 CCTV cameras along Queen Street.
Works at Bourke Park were expected to be completed by September, with results of the project’s effectiveness in reducing anti-social activity due to be published by February next year.
