Wollongong City Council is calling for community feedback as it prepares to take part in the Transport for NSW public safety project, ‘Safer Cities: Her Way’.
The collaborative partnership aims to improve perceptions of safety for everyone, in particular women, girls and gender diverse people who travel to, through and within public spaces in Wollongong.
Council says the trial project will test community-driven solutions for making Wollongong’s public spaces feel safer.
Wollongong is one of 10 councils participating in the Safer Cities: Her Way pilot program, which also includes City of Sydney Council.
Council said the NSW Government would invest $1 million in funding on trial interventions in a bid to improve safety for women, girls, and gender diverse people in three locations within the City of Wollongong. The three locations identified are: Wollongong CBD, Port Kembla Town Centre, and Dapto Town Centre.
“No one should live in fear of leaving their home or limiting their opportunities for recreation or entertainment because of perceived or real threats to their safety or well-being,” said Wollongong City Lord Mayor, Gordon Bradbery AM.
“We first made a commitment to improving community safety in the 1990s. Over the years we’ve worked closely with the NSW Government, Transport for NSW, NSW Police, local businesses, and community groups to develop initiatives to improve community safety.
“The Safer Cities: Her Way project, is Council’s next endeavour. It will build on the work we have already been doing through our Community Safety Plan 2021-2025 to improve safety and perceptions of safety in our community.
“Everyone deserves to feel safe when travelling around and through their city. Wollongong is no exception. Increasing women, girls, and gender diverse people’s safety is a priority for Council as we want to ensure that everyone feels able and safe to enjoy every aspect of their community,” he said.
A Transport for NSW spokesperson said the program was a great opportunity to partner with councils across NSW and deliver improvements that address local experiences and needs.
“We’re excited to be working closely with Wollongong City Council to listen to the voices of local women, girls and gender diverse people, and trial initiatives that will contribute to how communities can move freely and comfortably through their local public spaces,” the spokesperson said.