City of Casey Councillors were joined by Minister for Police Lisa Neville yesterday afternoon, to officially unveil safety upgrades to Webb Street in Narre Warren.
City of Casey Mayor Cr Geoff Ablett revealed a plaque to honour the safety enhancements, which had been undertaken in the area over the last 12 months.
The $405,000 project, ‘Connecting our Village – Revitalise Narre Warren’, involved significant safety upgrades to Webb Street, including:
- The installation of new public toilets
- Redesigned landscaping
- Improved and additional lighting
- New benches and seating
Cr Ablett thanked the State Government for its $250,000 contribution through the Victorian Government’s Community Crime Prevention Program, and said he hoped the improved amenity of the area will give both traders and residents an increased sense of community safety.
Council also contributed $155,000 to the community project.
“Increased incidents of anti-social behaviour in Webb Street such as acts of graffiti, alcohol consumption, public toilet misuse and damage to property, lights and signage has left local traders and residents with the perception that their community isn’t safe,” said the Mayor.
“This project has taken heed of these concerns, providing environmental and infrastructure improvements to encourage a sense of ownership for the rightful users of this space - the local residents and traders.”
The Mayor said it was Council’s priority to ensure that its residents felt safe in their community.
“The environment plays a significant role in influencing resident’s perceptions of safety, and Council would like Webb Street to impart a feeling of safety and become a valued public space for the entire community,” he said.
“I hope these upgrades instill a further sense of connectedness for our local residents to their community, support the viability of our local businesses, and allow for enhanced social activity throughout the area.”