State-of-the-art smart lighting is now installed at several Leopold bus stops and sections of the Bellarine Rail Trail. The new lighting is to deter anti-social behaviour and boost community safety.
The Leopold Proactive Pilot Project received funding through the Public Safety Infrastructure grants program.
The project delivered a combination of new:
- lights
- CCTV cameras, and
- people counting technology.
This is to create more visibility between Melaluka and Christies Road and ensure people feel safe while waiting for the bus at night .
The installation includes a mix of electric and solar-powered lighting which uses innovate Wi-Fi technology to improve internet connectivity. This allows Public Transport Victoria to send live updates to wait times to people catching public transport.
The project aims to improve safety for children crossing after school. It will also help evening commuters, who have previously voiced feeling vulnerable and isolated due to the poor lighting and surveillance in the area.
The City of Greater Geelong have also contributed toward the project. This was made possible thanks to the combined efforts of:
- the Department of Transport
- Victoria Police
- local community schools and
- local residents.
Through its Building Safer Communities Program, the government has provided funding to support projects across the Greater Geelong City Council, including $21,000 for the Multicultural Bus Shelter Program and $10,000 for the Diversitat Community Safety and Sustainable Lighting Project to keep locals and visitors safe across the city.
Read more about our Public Safety Infrastructure Fund featured projects