Fatima Halloum
Wyndham council has installed concrete barriers and CCTV cameras at Lawrie Emmins Reserve in Laverton North, in an attempt to prevent illegal behaviour.
The 70-hectare space often used by locals for leisure activities has been negatively impacted by people exhibiting anti-social conduct, council said.
To secure the site, council has installed concrete barriers as well as a number of six-meter J Hook Jersey Barriers. Additionally, 78 metres of large rocks have been installed along the archery club fence line and 82 metres of large rocks line the fence from the archery club to the cricket club.
Permitted and non-permitted signs were added to existing signage to further remind visitors of prohibited behaviours.
CCTV has also been installed to monitor the reserve entrance and the archery club.
Community Safety portfolio holder, councillor Susan McIntyre said: “The inappropriate and illegal behaviour at Lawrie Emmins Reserve is dangerous and causes damage to such an expansive and significant outdoor space.
“The Lawrie Emmins Reserve should be used and enjoyed by everyone safely — so we are asking our residents and Reserve users to please report any anti-social or illegal behaviour to CrimeStoppers, or if immediate police response is required, call [triple-0].
“Protecting and keeping our community safe is everyone’s responsibility, and we are particularly grateful to Westgate Highway Patrol and Victoria Police for supporting us with this”
Individuals found hooning, vehicle dumping or riding illegally will also face costly penalties.
“Victoria Police is committed to enforcing any illegal or dangerous behaviour which will result in fines for those who are found to be doing the wrong thing”, acting Wyndham Inspector Steve Hayes said.
