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Summer And Safety Continues…

Early indications are that Council’s annual Enjoy it, don’t spoil it summer safety campaign is having a positive impact this summer.

By Bass Coast - 13th January 2012 - Back to News

Bass Coast Shire Council’s Community Safety Manager, Philippa O’Halloran, said the strategy, has been to target anti-social behaviour and raise awareness about Council’s local laws.

"We have run this campaign over four summers, and this year we have had a positive start to the season with a reasonably well behaved school leaver crowd.

"Following this, feedback has shown that overall, this holiday season and especially New Year’s Eve, was quieter than in previous years," Mrs O’Halloran said.

"We have used a mix of community education, enforcement and a close working relationship with other organisations such as Victoria Police and the Phillip Island Nature Parks to assist in the campaign.

"We recognise that this year there has been a later start to warm summer weather, so we still expect more weekends of beach going crowds, and visitors attending popular summer events.

"We have been monitoring several areas of community safety this year, and will be able to provide more information about safety and the overall summer season at the end of February."

Mrs O’Halloran explained that Council is a member of the Community Safety and Event Advisory Committee which involves community representatives and member agencies.

"We will be seeking feedback from the members of this committee and adding their experiences and perspectives into our final review of the campaign.

"We have had some emerging issues such as the increase in illegal fireworks, which appears to be a state-wide trend," said Mrs O’Halloran.

"On New Year’s Eve, Council received complaints about nuisance noise at all hours.

"Other concerns have included safety issues, the impact on pets and the potential for illegal fireworks to be a fire hazard.

"We have raised these concerns with the Police, who are working on a national approach to control the illegal sale of fireworks.

"This year our Community Safety team has placed an added focus on patrolling beaches, "continued Mrs O’Halloran.

"In the two weeks from Boxing Day, Community Safety Rangers were on beaches across Bass Coast for three-hour sessions both in the morning and the afternoon.

"It was an ideal opportunity to talk to the people on the beach, especially about the summer safety program and local events."

Mrs O’Halloran reminded residents and visitors that copies of the Good Summer Guide containing holiday hints and a calendar of events are still available at Council’s Customer Service and Visitor Information Centres or in Council’s latest edition of the Coastell newsletter on Council’s website http://www.basscoast.vic.gov.au

For more information contact:

Melissa Hayes

communications officer

t (03) 5671 2703 | f (03) 5671 2222 | m 0400 804 187

e m.hayes@basscoast.vic.gov.au

Source: www.gippsland.com

Published by: news@gippsland.com

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