May 27, 2016
A pedestrian path near Mid Valley Shopping Centre will be upgraded to make the area safer for local residents.
Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester announced $375,000 from the Federal Government to install lighting on the path along Waterhole Creek.
Mr Chester said the project was being funded under the Safer Streets Program, which supports communities to address crime and anti-social behaviour and keep communities safe.
“The Federal Government will provide funding to Latrobe City Council to install 60 light poles and lighting along a 1.5 kilometre section of the walking path on the west side of Waterhole Creek, starting on the northern side of the Princes Drive underpass,” Mr Chester said.
“It is hoped that improved lighting will encourage greater use of the facility and provide a safer community space for local residents.”
Latrobe City Council mayor Michael Rossiter said increased lighting at Waterhole Creek would encourage community members to enjoy and use the infrastructure in the area.
“The community has been advocating for this improvement and we welcome the Federal Government’s announcement,” Councillor Rossiter said.
“We know there are many people in the local area who enjoy the natural ambience of the creek, the facilities nearby such as the cultural walk, the fitness station and the picnic tables, but are perhaps deterred from visiting after dark, due to perceived safety concerns.
“We hope the new lights will help the community to feel safer and deter those who might engage in criminal behaviour in the area.
“Encouraging more community activity is a priority for council and we can encourage that in Morwell by boosting lighting at Waterhole Creek,” Cr Rossiter said.
Minister for Justice Michael Keenan said the funding was drawn from the Proceeds of Crime Account, which uses money taken from criminals to fund crime prevention initiatives.
“The best way to tackle crime and anti-social behaviour is to prevent it from happening,” Mr Keenan said.
“The Coalition will continue to reinvest money confiscated from criminals and put it towards projects that make our streets and communities safer.
“I congratulate Darren Chester for his ongoing lobbying efforts in Canberra to deliver for his communities back home, and to ensure this project became a reality for his constituents.”
CAPTION: Latrobe Mayor Michael Rossiter and Member for Gippsland Darren Chester (file photo).
