Students push for park CCTV

SURVEILLANCE cameras head a series of suggestions aimed at quashing dangerous activity at Hemmings Park after recent concerns from young people and local police.
Plans by Greater Dandenong Council to install cameras and increase safety in the park tie in with the opening of the new youth music venue, The Castle, next month.
Greater Dandenong mayor, Peter Brown, said council met with police this week to discuss funds required in the forthcoming budget for a safety audit in Hemmings Park.
He said the issue surfaced after last week’s youth forum at the Drum Theatre when students from Dandenong High and Emerson schools suggested improving Hemmings Park’s safety.
“As a result, the matter was brought to the budget meeting on Monday, where $90,000 has been recommended in the 2006-07 budget (for improvements), subject to public consultation,” Cr Brown said.
Cr Brown said Hemmings Park was generally safe.
But, there had been isolated incidents which had caused people concern, Cr Brown said.
“We have to build public confidence in the area,” he said.
Cr Brown praised all students at the youth leadership forum for their input, and said young people were ‘very good judges’ and ‘quite astute’ regarding city issues.