Byron Shire Council has received $50,000 from the NSW Government to light up crime hotspots in the Bay’s CBD in an effort to make the area safer at night.
The money comes on top of federal funding for lighting and CCTV cameras in other parts of the town, which are currently in the process of being installed.
It will extend lighting improvements to Fletcher Street and laneways around the entertainment precinct on Jonson and Lawson streets.
Despite a range of projects to reduce alcohol-related violence in Byron Bay, including a late night bus to get revellers home safely and a campaign to encourage safe partying, the rate of assaults (non-domestic violence) in the town has not significantly declined over the past five years.
North coast based Nationals MLC Ben Franklin said the lighting will make ‘a huge improvement’ to the safety of the town’s nightlife.
‘Byron Bay is one of the state’s most popular holiday destinations but some of the lighting in its CBD was installed three decades ago when the town’s nightlife was significantly quieter,’ Mr Franklin said.
‘This government funding will help improve safety on Fletcher Street and adjacent areas including laneways identified as trouble spots by police.’
Justice and police minister Troy Grant said increasing lighting will discourage anti-social behaviour and make locals and holiday makers feel safer when they are enjoying a night out.
‘Anyone who causes trouble in the CBD will be more visible which will help ensure they are held to account,’ Mr Grant said.
‘The Safer Community Compact grant program recognises local people understand the crime problems their towns face and play an important role in addressing them.’
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