Security upgrade for Trafalgar High School’s bike shed

Minister for Crime Prevention Edward O’Donohue today announced a $5,436 grant to upgrade the security of the Trafalgar High School bike shed.

Visiting the school today with Member for Narracan Gary Blackwood, Mr O’Donohue said the project was one of 166 community safety initiatives receiving $1 million in funding as part of the latest round of the Victorian Coalition Government’s Community Safety Fund grants.

“Including this project, more than $28,000 has been awarded to projects in the Baw Baw Shire through the latest round of grants,” Mr O’Donohue said.

“I was sorry to hear that the school’s Student Representative Council had received feedback that students felt insecure about leaving their bikes or scooters in the store during school hours.

“This project will improve the security of the existing bike shed, deterring theft by installing a new roof, relocating the mesh fencing, reinstating bike racks and stabilising the structure.

“This will create a secure area for both student and staff to store their bikes and scooters, encouraging everyone to ride to school,” Mr O’Donohue said.

Mr Blackwood said students should be encouraged to ride to school without fear of losing their bikes.

“Healthy and busy students are less likely to get caught up in undesirable and dangerous behaviours, like misusing alcohol, getting involved in anti-social behaviour, and skipping school,” Mr Blackwood said.

Mr O’Donohue said the Napthine Government was enabling communities to fund local crime prevention initiatives that deliver safer, more connected communities.

“Effective crime prevention requires residents, communities, businesses and all levels of government to work together,” Mr O’Donohue said.

“Everyone needs to play their part, and we can all take some simple steps to secure our own property and get involved in local community action to help drive down crime.”

Mr O’Donohue said the Community Safety Fund helps local communities to implement practical projects to deter crime and promote safety.

“Community safety projects come in many different forms, from installing improved security features to undertaking community awareness activities,” Mr O’Donohue said.

“Over the past three years, the Coalition Government has provided more than $3.8 million to fund 588 projects across the state through the Community Safety Fund.”

The grants are part of the Napthine Government’s $35 million Community Crime Prevention Program, which helps promote community safety and prevent crime in communities across Victoria.

Mr O’Donohue noted that a frontbench reshuffle by Daniel Andrews late last year saw the crime prevention portfolio removed from the shadow ministry.

“There could be no starker indication of how little Labor cares about community safety and crime prevention,” Mr O’Donohue said.

For further information, visit www.crimeprevention.vic.gov.au