Hastings residents will be able to make the most of Wallaroo Reserve without fearing for their safety with the installation of new barriers to inhibit illegal monkey bike activity.
Federal Member for Flinders Greg Hunt said the barriers were funded with $50,000 in Commonwealth funding.
“This delivers on the Turnbull Government’s election commitment to help keep communities safe and reduce crime and anti-social behaviour,” Mr Hunt said.
“I have had several residents come to me about this issue, concerned for their own wellbeing or that of their children.”
Mr Hunt said the barriers would enhance safety, allowing more residents to make the most of this beautiful reserve.
“Public safety is of the utmost importance, especially for children attending the nearby Wallaroo Primary School,” Mr Hunt said.
“Monkey bikes are illegal, noisy and dangerous and hooning behaviour will not be tolerated in this community reserve.
“Every resident has the right to feel safe in their community and to enjoy public spaces and these barriers will allow all residents to share the reserve.
“I would like to thank the Mornington Peninsula Shire Council for their work in installing the barriers and managing the project.”
Mornington Peninsula Shire Councillor Kate Roper said the public safety barriers were already making a difference by reducing monkey bike activity.
“This is a great outcome for Hastings. Thanks to this grant from the Federal Government, local residents and visitors will now have the chance to enjoy this wonderful park. I am thrilled that all residents will now have safe access to this reserve so they can run, walk their dogs, spend time with family or simply enjoy the sunshine,” Cr Roper said.
Wallaroo Residents Action Group Chair Marina Rewiri said the group had come up with the concept of the barriers after years of frustration with monkey bikes.
“We are incredibly happy that these barriers have been installed to keep our kids safe. This is something the residents have been working towards for a long time,” Ms Rewiri said.
“This is the first stage of our broader plan to activate the reserve for all residents. This space is our backyard and we want to make sure it is open to everyone.”