Council looks at lake fence

By Bridget Cook
CASEY Council is set to swim into action to address water safety concerns at Casey Fields.
At Tuesday night’s council meeting, the Casey council resolved to investigate and cost an approved water safety fence which would separate the regional playground at Casey Fields with the adjoining lake.
Currently, the large playground and the lake are next to each other with nothing separating them.
Casey councillor Geoff Ablett, who raised the motion, said he became aware of the safety hazard when he visited the playground recently.
“I visited the playground this week during the school holidays with Councillor Amanda Stapledon,” he said.
“There were kids everywhere. There was a situation with kids going too close to the lake.
“There’s a part of the lake that I think should be fenced off.”
Cr Ablett said something needed to be done to ensure the safety of the children using the playground.
“I fear that it’s only a matter of time before we have a drowning,” he said.
“Water attracts kids. It only takes a split second for something to happen.
“The number one cause of drowning is when people fall into deep water unexpectedly.
“I think we need to do something, particularly for the mums and dads who have three or four children who are all running and playing in different directions.”
Local resident Suzanne Calder shared Cr Ablett’s concerns.
“We were there last week and it did concern me,” she said.
“I think it’s a great idea.
“A playground is all about kids having fun – so let’s keep them safe while they do it.”
A report on the matter will come back to the next council meeting, Tuesday 19 October.