By ANEEKA SIMONIS
YOUNG people, particularly women, in Cardinia Shire reported feeling significantly unsafe when going out alone at night – and Pakenham has taken out the highest risk rating.
People aged 18-24 gave a low range average rating of 1.67 (one being very unsafe, five being very safe) on their perception of safety when out alone at night in the south-eastern region.
The findings were revealed in a safety study recently conducted by Cardinia Shire Council, which found women reported feeling less safe than men in all situations across the region including in their own home and street.
Lower than average safety ratings were recorded for the shire’s Central Ward -Pakenham – with residents feeling moderately safe on public transport (2.54) and at public transport stations (2.62).
The Pakenham region was rated the most unsafe in all other categories including at local shopping centres, parks and reserves.
Escalating levels of violence in Pakenham, particularly around the train station and nearby Bourke Park, have caused a stir in the community.
Bloodied daylight assaults, many involving youth gangs, have shocked residents left in fear for their safety.
The increasingly violent incidents reported in the Gazette have attracted drastic action by councillor Kate Lempriere, who will soon move a motion to have CCTV cameras installed in the Bourke Park vicinity in a bid to minimise violence in the area as well as encourage greater police immediacy in responding to incidents.
Surveillance proposals are also being considered for the surrounding town region, with violence spilling out from the station area to more densely populated areas.
In mid-February, the violence spilled out from the Pakenham bus station to Marketplace Shopping Centre where a terrified family were trapped in their car by a gang of youths who allegedly jumped onto their vehicle and damaged it with scooters.
The council has commissioned a suitability assessment for CCTV cameras in Bourke Park, according to the council’s for assets and services general manager Mike Ellis.
The results are due to be handed down by June this year where it will then be further assessed for funding suitability under the next round of the Federal Government’s Safer Streets funding.
Not a great deal separated safety perceptions in the shire’s Ranges and Port wards, however reports indicate those living in ‘Hills’ towns Officer, Beaconsfield Upper Beaconsfield, Emerald, Cockatoo, Pakenham Upper and Gembrook felt slightly more safe.
It took out the highest rating of safety in the home, in parks and at or around public transport – however, those in the swamp including Kooweerup, Lang Lang, Bunyip and Garfield felt the most comfortable being alone during the day and in local shopping areas.
Crime took out the highest concern rating by residents across the fast-growing municipality.
Family violence came in close second followed by road traffic incidents, dangerous driving, drug and alcohol issues and mental health issues.
