Ararat building safe spaces
Crime Prevention Parliamentary Secretary Frank Mcguire has joined Ararat leaders to celebrate the completion of key projects aimed at reducing crime across the municipality.
The State Government invested $231,000 from a Public Safety Infrastructure Fund towards an Ararat Active Link Safety Lighting Project, with an additional $26,000 from Ararat Rural City Council.
The safety project included installing light poles and ground lighting throughout Ararat Active Corridor, including a multi-use half-court, Ararat Dog Park, Bill Waterson Skate Park and the Alexandra Gardens precinct.
Mr Mcguire said the project was key to helping residents feel safe while using public areas in early mornings and evenings.
“We have this wonderful skate park here in Ararat that connects up with a basketball court and a whole series of other activities,” he said.
“The infrastructure is inclusive – it doesn’t matter what age you are – the lighting is important for security and a sense of personal safety.
“It allows people to go out to enjoy the environment, feel safe and be active.”
Mayor Jo Armstrong said creating a safer environment for residents was an important part of a creating a thriving community.
“Alexandra Gardens is a popular spot for early morning exercise and shorter winter days means it can be a challenge for walkers and runners to get outside while it’s still light,” she said.
“A fully lit path provides people with more time to enjoy the precinct, particularly for those who might not have the opportunity to get outside during daylight hours.”
The project was designed in partnership with Alexandra Gardens Walking Group and a skate park committee.
Ararat police were also instrumental in the project design and made initial calls to improve lighting and eliminate isolated public spaces in the recreation corridor.
Mr Mcguire’s visit also marked the completion of the council’s Crime Prevention Awareness Campaign.
The campaign, in collaboration with police, Victorian Farmers Federation
and Greater Ararat Business Network, was designed to help educate and empower the community to take steps towards protecting property.
Cr Armstrong said with theft incidents on the rise, the council wanted a way to directly educate people about the importance of reporting crime and taking proactive measures to deter theft and report suspicious behaviour.
“We know prevention is better than a cure and we need residents to keep an eye out for each other and if they see something suspicious, please report it,” she said.
The campaign involved the groups providing residents with crime-prevention materials, including a crime-prevention booklet, security self-assessment documents, educational videos, and farm signs stating ‘no access without permission’.
A key highlight of the campaign was the production of three videos in partnership with Victoria Police that featured crime-prevention tips for rural settings.
The videos had an online reach of more than 100,000 on Facebook, with more than 49,000 direct engagements in the video content.
The council and Department of Justice and Community Safety jointly invested in the $25,000 project through a Community Safety Fund Grants program.