STATE funding has been secured to continue the transformation of a former Delacombe crime hotspot.
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Minister for Crime Prevention Edward O’Donohue attended Doug Dean Reserve on Thursday to announce $150,000 had been allocated to upgrade the park.
“We want to encourage greater use of spaces such as this. The more people that use it the safer it will be,” Mr O’Donohue said.
“One of the issues the local communities identified consistently over several years is that at night time there is the perception that the park is dangerous.
“There has been reports of anti-social behaviour, particularly at night time.”
The funding will allow the installation of lighting, new pathways, signage and a public toilet.
Since 2009 the park has undergone a revamp that includes a playground, picnic areas, a community stadium and wetlands.
Ballarat City Council has contributed $40,000 to the project.
“If you came to Doug Dean reserve five years ago you would not recognise it,” Ballarat City Council mayor Joshua Morris said.
Cr Morris said other public spaces, including Victoria Park, were “on the radar” to receive funding for lighting while positive feedback had been received on the lighting trial at Lake Wendouree.
Mr O’Donohue also spoke about the $87.5 million funding allocated for the expansion of Langi Kal Kal and Hopkins prisons.
“There is a 126-bed facility currently under construction,” Mr O’Donohue said.
“The expansion at Langi Kal Kal and Hopkins Prison is seeing a significant generator of jobs in the western region.”
Mr O’Donohue said Langi Kal Kal would remain a low-security prison.
david.jeans@fairfaxmedia.com.au