Infamous park’s security boosted

A GEELONG park that became the centre of an abduction and rape investigation will be given a series of safety upgrades.

Aldershot Reserve in St Albans Park gained national notoriety after a 14-year-old girl claimed she had been forcibly removed from the park by several men and later raped in November 2015.

Three men — who had pleaded not guilty — were committed to stand trial.

However, all charges were dropped against the three in February this year.

Council’s community life director Linda Quinn said increased safety measures were being introduced because of the issues raised by the highprofile case.

“The project was initiated in response to the alleged incident and community concerns,” Ms Quinn told the Geelong Advertiser.

Council documents released this week showed that laneway lighting would be installed, with the use of remaining money still to be determined.

Corporate communications and marketing manager Geoff Russell confirmed that $100,000 had been budgeted for the project.

“Over the next few months the City will undertake new lighting works to improve pedestrian connections and visibility through the reserve,” Dr Russell said.

Ms Quinn said improving lighting was a priority and other measures would be considered after more public feedback was received.

“Further planning will be undertaken in consultation with community stakeholders to look at other ways to further improve the amenity and safety of users of the area,” she said.

The money is part of an $8.12 million council investment in Geelong’s lower socio-economic areas.

Chief administrator Kathy Alexander has labelled social inequity one of the biggest risks to a strong and prosperous future in Geelong. “We want money to be spent in the parts of our municipality that need it the most,” she said.