Safety and landscape upgrades have revitalised Ballarat’s popular White Flat Recreation Reserve thanks to a grant of almost $188,000 from the Victorian Government’s Public Safety Infrastructure Fund.

Five new CCTV cameras have been installed to improve surveillance across sporting facilities, clubrooms and public restrooms.

The cameras will help discourage antisocial behaviour and provide Victoria Police with an additional tool to identify and tackle crime.

Local residents can also safely enjoy the reserve at night, with eight lights installed in the carpark and nine lights illuminating adjoining pathways, in addition to new bench seating and landscaping improvements.

Frequently used by women’s football teams and people with intellectual disabilities, these upgrades address safety concerns around poor lighting by increasing visibility and movement through the area at night.

The City of Ballarat also contributed more than $26,000 towards the project including in-kind support.

Since 2015, the government has provided almost $14.5 million in infrastructure grants to support 92 crime prevention projects across Victoria.

This includes providing $2.3 million for 16 projects in Ballarat, including for CCTV and new amenities at the Little Bridge Street Pocket Park and a graffiti prevention project at the Little Bridge Street Bus Interchange.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Crime Prevention Natalie Hutchins

“We are pleased to be able to support the Ballarat community improve public facilities and open spaces.”

Quotes attributable to Member for Wendouree Juliana Addison

“The White Flat Recreation Reserve is a key sporting facility for our community and is used by a diverse range of groups from men’s, women’s and juniors cricket and football, to the Ballarat Bulldogs, our all abilities footy team. The improvements at White Flat support these groups and will encourage greater use of the reserve.”

“The lighting and landscape upgrades will further ensure the community feels safe when training and using the rec reserve at night.”

Quotes attributable to Mayor of City of Ballarat, Cr Ben Taylor

“The City of Ballarat very much welcomes this important new funding for White Flat Reserve from the Victorian Government.”

“The addition of the new surveillance cameras and lighting will increase safety and enable more residents to enjoy the reserve at night. It will be a spectacular sight.”

“New seating and landscaping also will allow spectators to watch sporting activities in greater comfort.”

Quotes attributable to East Point Dragons Coordinator Nicole Walters

“East Point Dragons are thankful to the City of Ballarat and Victorian Government for our new and improved clubrooms at White Flat Reserve.”

“With the adding of CCTV and new lighting, we can safely use White Flat Reserve in the cold winter nights of Ballarat. It’s also good to know that our sporting equipment and rooms are under surveillance.”