July 2002

Security boost for high-rise estates

Funding of $790,000 has been allocated for the installation of new security measures on the Fitzroy, Collingwood and Prahran high-rise public housing estates.

Working with tenants, police and the local community, the Government—through the Office of Housing—has embarked on an aggressive program to tackle safety and security issues on the inner city estates and develop new ways to combat crime and anti-social behaviour.

Security cameras and home intercom systems are among new security measures for high-rise public housing estates announced by Housing Minister Bronwyn Pike.

‘It is important that tenants feel safe and secure in their homes and can move about without fear in the estates that are part of the high-rise community.’

The funding will enable $600,000 to be allocated to the purchase of security and surveillance equipment at the Fitzroy and Collingwood estates.

At Fitzroy, a controlled access system will be installed on the ground floor of each of the four high rise towers.

Tenants will be provided with security cards to enter and exit the buildings.

Security cameras will be installed in the high-rise towers and car parks and home intercom systems will be provided in each of the 800 flats.

In the foyer of each tower, concierges—who currently operate from temporary locations—will control and monitor access with hi-tech surveillance equipment.

‘At Fitzroy, we are working closely with the Victoria Police, tenant organisations and community agencies to develop a greater security presence.

‘We are also establishing a Neighbourhood Advisory Board to address local issues and give tenants a say in the decisions that affect their lives.’

The new security measures to be implemented in the Fitzroy high-rise towers will be introduced to the Collingwood high-rise towers over the next 12 months.

‘These new measures will enhance the $5.2 million spent on improving security at the Yarra estates over the past two years—increased security patrols and guards on the three estates and $1.2 million to install a controlled access security system at the Richmond Housing Estate.’

At Prahran’s Horace Petty high-rise estate, $190,000 had been committed to fence an adventure playground and kindergarten used by many of the young children on the estate.