Black “Diplomat” security fence to cage residential walkways

THE global trend of building walls in the hope of solving social problems will soon arrive in Dubbo when black “Diplomat” security fences are installed to cage existing neighbourhood walkways in the hope they will curb anti-social behaviour from occurring there.

Walkways, also popular with dog walkers, people exercising and school students and residents accessing bus stops in their neighbourhoods, will be closed across West and East Dubbo.

Council has consented to the Infrastructure and Liveability Committee’s recommendation to block West Dubbo walkways joining Gumtree Avenue, Horizons Place, Meadowbank Drive, Springfield Way, and walkways near Pioneer

Park via Mckay Drive, Meurer Court and Rivergum Place.

Also earmarked for closure are the Lancaster Park Place walkway to Carisbrook Park, between 78 and 80 Twickenham Drive to a public reserve behind it, as well as walkways joining Erica Close and St George’s Terrace, and Clews Street and a public reserve.

Council will offer the land to neighbouring property owners for sale, and in the instance they cannot be sold, will become areas caged by neighbourly security fencing.

It is unknown if cats allowed to roam at night triggering incessant barking dogs in otherwise quiet neighbourhoods will cease their anti-social nocturnal behaviour once they see the fences installed.

Council was also divided when this issue was first raised in March, with councillors Diffey, Grant and Lawrence voting against the social behaviour control measure.