newy.com.au – Maitland City Council will receive $150,000 in State Government funding to develop a four-year plan aimed at making public spaces and transport precincts safer and more accessible for women, girls and other vulnerable people.
The funding will go towards the council’s Empowered, Connected and Thriving Community Plan under the government’s Safer Cities: Her Way 2 program, which is being run in partnership with Transport for NSW.
Member for Maitland Jenny Aitchison said the program was designed to improve safety and confidence in public spaces during the day and at night, including around transport hubs.
“Exercising, accessing public transport and simply moving through your city shouldn’t be something women, girls and other vulnerable people have to think twice about, particularly when the sun goes down,” Ms Aitchison said.
“Equally, comfort and confidence in public space is a right – not a privilege and shouldn’t be reserved for some people and not others.
“This program helps ensure Maitland’s public spaces are safe and accessible, even after dark, so where you live doesn’t determine whether you feel safe getting home.”
The council’s plan will identify practical improvements to safety, accessibility and wellbeing, with possible initiatives including better lighting, upgraded walking connections and safer, more welcoming bus stops and transport precincts.
The projects will be shaped through community engagement with local women, girls and other vulnerable people, with the aim of ensuring the plan reflects Maitland’s needs, priorities and local character.
Ms Aitchison said the funding would allow Maitland City Council to build on its Social Strategy, which is currently being developed.
“This funding gives Maitland City Council the opportunity to expand on their Social Strategy, which is currently under development, by trialing ideas and implementing approaches that improve the livability of our city for women, girls and other vulnerable people,” she said.
“By listening to the experiences of locals, we can help shape public spaces that better reflect the needs of our community and create a safer, more inclusive Maitland for everyone.”
Maitland City Council is one of 23 successful local government applicants across NSW to receive funding under Safer Cities: Her Way 2.
