February 18, 2021

Gunnedah Shire Council has heeded a community call for new gates to be installed at the popular Livvi’s Place Playground.

Gunnedah Shire Mayor Jamie Chaffey said Council had been approached by community members to install gates with childproof latches at Livvi’s Place to improve security for parents with young children.

“Council also heard from two former members of the Livvi’s Place Working Group at the general meeting this week who presented a convincing case for the need for childproof gates at this playground,” Cr Chaffey said.

“We are very proud of this amazing park that has been created in partnership with the community. While there were arguments the open gates had value in creating a welcoming space and easy access, we have heard that some parents of young children have not been using Livvi’s Place because it is too hard to keep an eye on a number of small children at once.

“The added security is in line with our recent campaign to improve pedestrian safety in our CBD through the implementation of an extended 40km/h zone. Part of Livvi’s Place attraction is its leafy location in the centre of Gunnedah, but that also means it is in our busiest traffic area.

“The idea of Livvi’s Place is to provide an inclusive and secure playground. Council has listened to the views of the community and will be installing childproof gates at the three entrances to improve security. We hope this only enhances everything the playground already has to offer.

“The gates do not, of course, replace parental or carer supervision of children, which is necessary at all times.”

Caption: Three new gates with childproof locks will be installed at Livvi’s Place Playground.

ENDS

Media and communications team contact: (02) 6740 2100.