Safety and security boost for Baw Baw's community spaces
Explore Councils by state
Published on 15 March 2021
Community safety will be strengthened across Baw Baw Shire with Closed Circuit Television (CCTV), security fencing and bollards installed in 11 public places to deter would-be criminals.
Baw Baw Shire Council is delivering the projects thanks to a $376,839 grant from the Victorian Government’s Community Crime Prevention Program.
Council is also co-contributing $40,000 from its 2020-21 Budget.
Projects funded include CCTV at Trafalgar Recreation Reserve, Trafalgar Skate Park and its neighbouring car park, CCTV at Western Park Recreation Reserve, Longwarry Recreation Reserve, and Rokeby Trail car park, and new CCTV in the Warragul Central Business District and township of Rawson.
Dunstan Oval in Rawson will be protected by bollards, while solar security lights will be added to the recently upgraded Netball Courts at Drouin Recreation Reserve.
Bellbird Park in Drouin has new fencing and security lighting around the junior and senior soccer pitches and Eastern Park Recreation Reserve has new security shutters.
All CCTV footage will be accessible only by Victoria Police during an investigation of a crime or otherwise permitted or required by law.
Quotes attributable to Mayor Cr Danny Goss
“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.
“Any potential vandals and thieves should be on notice – you’re on camera.”
Quotes attributable to Deputy Mayor Cr Michael Leaney“Everyone has a right to feel safe while moving around their communities, whether they are in busy business centres or rural townships.
"Theft from cars and criminal damage were the most common offences reported within Baw Baw Shire in 2020. CCTV will be a useful tool to help police prosecute those responsible for these opportunistic crimes.”
Drouin Dragons Soccer Club President Jason Beer, Baw Baw Shire Mayor Cr Danny Goss and Cr Ben Lucas at the new fencing protecting the junior soccer pitch at Bellbird Park.