By Brendan Rees
Camms Road Shopping Strip in Cranbourne is set to receive a makeover following a funding announcement from the State Government to help cut down on crime.
Member for Cranbourne Jude Perera visited Camms Road on Tuesday 19 December, announcing $177,000 in Public Safety Infrastructure Funding which will allow Council to undertake improvements to revitalise the Cranbourne precinct, with Council to also contribute more than $37,000 to the project.
Over the next year the space will be redesigned, with new lighting and better signage to be installed to attract more people to the area.
There will also be a new footpath and new kerbs installed with upgrades to seating and seating nodes, improved amenities and the replacement of rubbish bins and a bicycle rack.
The project has received funding through the latest round of Public Safety Infrastructure Fund grants, with 20 councils across Victoria to share in more than $3.4 million funding for 20 projects.
Member for Cranbourne Jude Perera said the project would energise the shopping strip and enhance public safety.
“It will mean that women, families, and the wider community can feel safer spending time in this local space.”
“We are delivering a record $2 billion to recruit more police and deliver stronger laws, but these grants recognise the importance of the community’s input in enhancing safety at a local level.”
City of Casey Mayor Cr Geoff Ablett welcomed the announcement and said it would be fantastic to see the works take place.
“We are thrilled to hear that our grant application was successful.”
“Council is looking forward to putting it to good use by undertaking environmental, security and general amenity improvements to increase the perception of safety in this public space, further demonstrating our commitment to creating Australia’s most liveable city,” he said.
Neighbourhood Watch Casey Chairman Rob Ward said improving the safety of Camms Road and other smaller shopping strips in Casey was a step in the right direction.
“Better lighting and access for the public along with improved sightlines all contribute to a feeling of being seen and being safe,” he said.
“We congratulate the City of Casey, Victoria Police (who carried out the safety audit) and the Victorian government for funding this and other similar initiatives in Casey.”
Casey Councillor Rosalie Crestani said the project would deter anti-social behaviour.
“We’re grateful the government has been able to see the importance of this project. Ultimately we want to live in a safer community.”
A detailed design and consultation process will take place between Council and shop owners and traders.
Works are expected to commence in October this year and will be part of the 2018/19 Capital Works Program.
