Brimbank residents say they don’t feel safe at local train stations at night.
More than 130 residents have sent to council their feedback on safety issues addressed at seven public consultation sessions, which will guide the Brimbank Community Safety Strategy.
The council-led consultation also found drinking, drug use and drug dealing in public places, theft and inadequate infrastructure for people with disabilities were among residents’ main concerns.
A session with a Brimbank ‘Active Seniors’ representative group revealed older people’s sense of safety fell with the setting sun.
“Most participants said they felt safe during the day at train stations but not at night,” a summary of the consultations stated. “Generally, respondents felt safer at home than in the local area.”
According to a council-established Disability Network Group, cleaner and more attractive public spaces were needed to combat perceptions of safety.
A seniors forum of 40 people identified pedestrian safety as a big issue.
And a lack of health services, especially in mental health, was the key finding from a further community forum held last Tuesday.
“Why are there so many cuts to services when we need them the most?” one member told the forum. “We have a growing community, but our services can’t keep up.”
Albion a particular concern
Meanwhile, another resident has come forward with safety concerns around Albion train station.
Cairnlea resident Rico Dizon called on Brimbank council to investigate this “high-risk area”.
He said there was a need for better lighting and more security cameras in the parking area.Mr Dizon said that on October 19, five cars had been broken into, their windows shattered – including his son’s car.
“It’s revolting when your car’s window has been broken and your belongings stolen.”
Council infrastructure and environment director Neil Whiteside urged Albion station users to contribute their safety concerns to the council’s draft strategy.
He said council was in preliminary stages of investigating design possibilities to the entrance of Albion station.
The council will also consider responses to sessions held between 2011 and 2014 in developing its new safety strategy.
