Wollongong City Council has installed seven solar powered lights in MacCabe Park, making the park a safer place to be after dark. This initiative, funded by the NSW Department of Justice and Attorney General, is one of a number of projects under Council’s Safety in the City Strategy that address community concerns about safety in MacCabe Park.
The MacCabe Park project began in 2009 with the removal of the park’s pergolas, which has contributed to a safer park by improving lines of sight and creating a more open space, with better visibility.
Wollongong City Lord Mayor Councillor Gordon Bradbery OAM said: “Installing these solar lights in the park will increase safety for citizens after dark as well as making the park more attractive and welcoming. These are the first solar powered lights Council has used in its parks, reflecting our commitment to sustainability. Statistics provided by our local police indicate that there has been a decline in incidents of criminal activity in the park and better lighting will only further improve things.
“Council also thanks the Department of Justice and Attorney General for funding the lights. This has enabled a great inner city park to be enjoyed by more people, both day and night.”
Wollongong Crime Manager, Detective Inspector Tim Beattie, said: "Wollongong Police and Council have been working to address a number of issues identified in MacCabe Park. As a result of a safety audit and the recommendations being implemented relating to landscaping at the park, Police have recorded a reduction in reports of malicious damage. Data for the past six months also shows a decline in assaults and stealing offences being reported."
Council has also conducted three other projects designed to enhance safety in MacCabe Park. These include:
Graffiti prevention project
Also funded by the NSW Department of Justice and Attorney General, this project addresses graffiti on the Project Contemporary Art space wall and near the Wollongong Youth Centre.
Pioneer Hall Wall
This wall was converted to a community mural space in 2010 and a new mural created by a local artist appears about every three months. This has seen a reduction in graffiti and adds to the life and colour of the park. The wall is currently being revitalised and a new mural will appear to coincide with the Viva La Gong Festival.
Outreach van
The Denny Foundation ‘Street Beat’ van is located in MacCabe Park on a Thursday evening to provide contact and support for young people and other people in the area.
The MacCabe Park solar lights and the safety projects are all part of Council’s Safety in the City Strategy that was endorsed in September 2010. This strategy identifies three key priorities for the city centre:
- Increase actual and perceived Community Safety in the City Centre
- Reduce graffiti and vandalism
- Reduce antisocial behaviour and crime associated with alcohol use