Narellan Urban Forest precinct has become a hub of anti social behaviour after dark, including drug dealing.
Camden Police crime manager Detective Chief Inspector Jayne Doherty says large groups of young people were often seen congregating in Urban Forest.
“They move out of the well-lit shopping centre to the anonymity of the parklands where they commit minor damage to facilities in the area and encourage each other to fight,’’ Det Doherty said.
“We have also had instances of the area being used to meet up for street level drug supply,” she said.
All this is about to change because Narellan’s Urban Forest park and playground precinct will receive new lighting and other improvements to make it safer.
Camden Council will receive $258,500 under round two of the Federal Government’s $40 million Safer Communities program to make the improvements.
Minister for Law Enforcement and Federal Member for Hume Angus Taylor said changes were needed to get on top of the street crime.
“With population growth in the area, the park is being used inappropriately at night – with police now aware of malicious damage and drug dealing happening,” Mr Taylor said.
[social_quote duplicate=”no” align=”default”]“With no lighting at all in the park and playground, I’m delighted to be announcing funding today to fix that and to reduce the anti-social behaviour and crime.”[/social_quote]
Assistant Minister for Home Affairs Alex Hawke, who has responsibility for the Safer Communities program, joined Mr Taylor, along with council and police representatives, at a funding announcement on Friday.
Camden Mayor Lara Symkowiak welcomed the investment in the community.
“It is the ambition of council to provide high quality, recreational facilities that cater to the needs of our growing population and provide an enjoyable experience for everyone,’’ she said.
