Women’s Voices At Heart Of Plans To Make Griffith Safer For All

Griffith was among 10 local government areas (LGAs) given the opportunity to share in up to $10 million in funding through the NSW Government’s Safer Cities Program.

Griffith Mayor, Doug Curran said he was very excited to be part of the program, which would require extensive community consultation to see what women and girls felt needed to be done to see safety improved in the city.

“Councillors have identified three precincts adjoining the CBD which would be ideal candidate sites,” Mayor Curran said.

“We will be going out to the community to ask services, women and girls what they think we should do to activate these sites so they feel comfortable and safe when walking to the CBD and main transport hubs.

“It’s no coincidence that Griffith was chosen as one of the only western councils after our successful Street Scapes event, which activated the Memorial Park carpark space.

“I have no doubt this is what led to us being able to access these funds.

“It just demonstrates that we are able to deliver these kinds of space activations to really improve the lives of our residents.”

Treasurer, Matt Kean said the Safer Cities Program would put female voices at the forefront of infrastructure design and was part of a wider $100 million investment into women’s safety.

“We want to hear from women and girls about how they feel in our towns, suburbs and cities,” Mr Kean said.

“As part of the program we’ll also be partnering with 10 local councils to pilot safety-boosting initiatives.

“We’re backing this program with a $30 million commitment that could go towards better lighting, wayfinding, smart technology and landscaping to create safer connections through streets, public spaces and around transport hubs.”

Community consultation has commenced and everyone over the age of 16 years is invited to provide feedback via the short, anonymous, 10-minute Transport for NSW survey via https://www.haveyoursay.nsw.gov.au/safer-cities.

Residents are also invited to share their ideas.

Feedback is vital in helping better understand the experiences that affect your sense of safety in and around public spaces and transport hubs.

Community input will help Transport for NSW deliver better infrastructure, amenities, design and activations to help improve the community’s sense of safety in our cities and towns.

The consultation will remain open until February 8.

The other LGAs invited to sign up for pilot initiatives to help cities and towns feel safer were Canterbury-Bankstown, Bayside, Cumberland, Fairfield, Lismore, Blacktown, Wollongong, City of Sydney and Central Coast.

• Topics:

• Grants / Funding
• Women
• Living and Lifestyle