The Victorian government has awarded Northern Grampians Shire Council a $36,650 Community Safety Infrastructure Grant for lighting improvements at Taylors Gully Park. The Community Safety Infrastructure Grants are part of the Victorian Government’s Community Crime Prevention Program.
Council are also contributing $3350 to bring the total project budget to $40,000. The lighting will help to address a number of safety concerns and security issues at Taylors Gully Park.
The lighting will be installed in and around the carpark, the childcare centre playground and also light the pedestrian crossing.
Marrang Kindergarten and Early Learning Centre will be one of the key beneficiaries of this improvement. The centre is situated at Taylors Gully Park and the lighting will be especially helpful for staff and families walking to and from the carpark at night. Centre users will be better able to avoid hazards in the dark and be more aware of their surroundings.
Residents who live nearby and use the park for dog walking, exercise or travelling to and from town will also enjoy the extended use the new lighting will offer.
Council hopes that the improved lighting will see a decline in antisocial behaviour such as vandalism and graffiti at the park.
Local contractors will be engaged to do this work and Working for Victoria scheme employees, in line with the objectives of the funding and council’s policy of supporting local businesses where practicable.
User groups were consulted through a comprehensive, council-led survey prior to designing the new lighting layout. These stakeholders will continue to be engaged and informed throughout the duration of the project. A COVID-safe celebration is planned once the works are completed.
Northern Grampians Shire Council CEO, Liana Thompson, is delighted with the funding announcement.
“This is a much needed boost in safety and accessibility for Taylors Gully Park users,” she said.
“Families and staff attending Marrang Kindergarten will feel more at ease participating in evening activities at the centre knowing they can see where they are going and who is around them.
“It opens up a lot more opportunity for physical activity and enjoyment of the surrounding park for everyone after hours now too; it’s another plus for liveability in our shire.”
The projected completion date is expected to be 30 January 2021, with works set to commence during December 2020.
