By Mikayla van Loon
Community safety and security is being addressed by Baw Baw Shire Council with new measures being introduced to ensure public places are secure.
New CCTV cameras, bollards and fences will be installed across 11 public areas.
Prospective vandals are being reminded that with new technology, they could now be caught on camera.
“We’ve previously had some unfortunate reports of break-ins and senseless destruction at our recreation reserves. While relatively rare, it’s a devastating blow for our sporting clubs,” Mayor Danny Goss said.
Deputy Mayor Michael Leaney said theft from cars and criminal damage were the most common offences reported in 2020 for Baw Baw Shire.
“Everyone has a right to feel safe while moving around their communities, whether they are in busy business centres or rural townships,” he said.
The initiative is part of the Victorian Government’s Community Crime Prevention Program and Baw Baw Shire Council has received $376,839 to spend on upgrading or installing safety equipment.
The Council will also contribute $40,000 from the 2020-21 budget to these installations.
Some of the projects include new CCTV cameras for Longwarry Recreation Reserve, solar security lights for the netball courts at Drouin Recreation Reserve and Bellbird Park in Drouin has received new fencing and security lighting around the junior and senior soccer pitches.
