By Brendan Rees
New lighting will be installed in and around the Banjo Paterson Park in Lynbrook to improve public safety, no matter who wins the state election.
Labor announced last week they will inject $250,000 to install lighting around the park which is a centre point for the community, featuring a massive playground, barbeque, picnic tables and toilets.
The Coalition has promised to provide $250,000 towards extending the current CCTV security camera network in Cranbourne and Lynbrook, including CCTV cameras and lighting at Banjo Paterson Park.
It comes after the residential area of Lynbrook was the scene of 100 youths hiding in the park after terrorising commuters on a late night train in October. Residents spoke of their fear and reporting hearing yelling and screaming in the area.
“Violent crime and youth gangs are out of control under Daniel Andrews and communities like Cranbourne are paying the price,” sLeader of the Opposition Matthew Guy said.
CCTV programs have been widely successful in improving residents’ feelings of safety and security as well as assisting Victoria Police in responding to crime, the Coalition argues.
In another major win for families in Lynbrook, the State Government has promised to remove the dangerous Evans Road level crossing during works to duplicate the Cranbourne line – if re-elected on Saturday 24 November.
Parking at Lynbrook train station will also be given a boost with Labor promising to build 135 new and free car parks.
Labor will make South Gippsland Highway/Lynbrook Boulevard safer by investing $200,000 to install new flashing lights at this busy intersection.
The announcement comes as the State Government invests in Lynbrook, including funding for a new neighbourhood house and breakfast clubs and funding for Lynbrook Primary School.
Labor candidate for Cranbourne Pauline Richards said “Lynbrook is our little slice of heaven, and only Labor will make sure that families can enjoy doing the things they love – not just being stuck in traffic.”
Lynbrook Residents Association (LRA) president Jason Wood said the LRA had worked with both candidates and advocated for the park lighting, and the signals has been a long term advocacy.
“With both the Liberal Party and Labor now promising the lights, this is a great win for the safety of Lynbrook residents,” he said.
“The other announcements will be a benefit for Lynbrook as well. Whatever happens this weekend, the LRA looks forward to working with the new Member for Cranbourne.”
