By Ewen McRae
Darley is set to benefit from a statewide investment in safety upgrades, following a government announcement last week.
The state government has awarded $99,000 to Moorabool council to tackle community safety concerns through the Public Safety Infrastructure Fund. The funds will go towards the Jonathan Drive Public Lighting Project.
Moorabool council is one of 14 Victorian councils sharing in $1.8 million in funding under the latest grant round, following a highly competitive application and assessment process.
Installation of public lighting along 350 metres of the shared path on Jonathan Drive in central Darley well help to increase public use, enhance lines of sight and improve perceptions of safety on the path and open spaces connected to the path.
Local MP Steve McGhie said the investment was much needed in the community and he hoped it would have wide-reaching positive impacts.
“The Jonathan Drive Public Lighting Project will combat unwanted and antisocial behaviour and give residents the confidence to engage and enjoy their community,” Mr McGhie said.
“These improvements will also help boost the local economy by making the space a more desirable and enticing place to visit.”
The Public Safety Infrastructure Fund grants program aims to build community safety and confidence through improved lighting, upgrades to CCTV, landscaping and streetscape works, as well as urban design projects that will improve perceptions of safety.
It continues a good record of investment for Melton and Moorabool from the fund in recent years, with government grants contributing to new lighting at Lake Caroline, graffiti prevention in Melton, security upgrades at Gordon Football Club, and youth crime prevention programs across the past two years.
In total, more than $1.1 million from the fund has been invested in 22 projects in Melton and Moorabool.
