Money needed to prioritise safety after dark at Lillydale Lake in the Yarra Ranges
LIGHTING is needed to improve safety at one of the Yarra Ranges top parks after dark, a resident has said.
Outer East
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VISITORS to a popular Yarra Ranges park fear their safety is being left out in the dark.
Jessica Moseley, who works full time, did not feel safe taking her dog to a Lillydale Lake for a walk either in the dog park or at the lake after dark.
“I don’t feel safe walking at night with how dark it gets,” Ms Moseley said.
“Even though I have a dog, he might not be the best deterrent.
“During summer, we’re at the dog park every single night but as soon as winter comes along, the dog park is empty.”
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Ms Moseley will submit an almost 400-signature petition to Yarra Ranges Council and Pick My Project, so the community can use the park after dark without feeling unsafe.
The State Government’s $30 million initiative gives people the chance to submit an idea for $20,000 and $200,000 in cash to improve their area.
“My proposal is that with the assistance of Solar Sports Arena Lights, we could light the dog park and encourage people to exercise themselves and their dogs during the winter months,” she said.
If the project is given funding, the council would be in charge of the maintenance.
“It’s such a great asset to the community, why not make it for everyone?” she said.
“Even though there are a few lights around the track, it’s not even close to safe.
“There are so many bushes, it’s terrifying.”
Yarra Ranges environment and engineering director Mark Varmalis said the council has set
aside $115,000 in the 2018-19 Capital Expenditure Program for more lighting in the lake’s main carpark.
He encouraged pet owners to visit Chirnside Park’s Kimberley Reserve fenced dog agility park, where the oval lighting is often on in the evenings for football training.
Lilydale police Acting Sergeant Rachel Cooke said police regularly patrolled the carpark at least three times a night.
She said the area was isolated and urged people to prioritise safety by either walking in pairs or with a dog.
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