Griffith City Council has successfully secured $150,000 in funding under the Safer Cities: Her Way 2 grant program to deliver the Her Way 2680: Inclusive Places (CBD Safety Strategy) project.
The Her Way 2 grant is part of the $50m Safer Cities program led by Transport for NSW that aims to improve perceptions of safety for women, girls and gender-diverse people as they move to, through and within public spaces and transport hub precincts.
The project will work directly with local women, girls and gender diverse people to help shape future planning and upgrades in Griffith's public spaces, ensuring their lived experiences are reflected in the design of the city centre.
The initiative will include community walk-shops, surveys and co-design workshops across key areas of the CBD including Banna Avenue, parks, transport stops, retail areas, civic spaces and the Youth Precinct.
Feedback gathered through the project will help identify priority routes and locations where and why people feel unsafe, particularly after dark, and will inform a practical strategy and design guidelines for future CBD works and upgrades.
Griffith City Council is one of 23 successful applicants across NSW selected to receive funding under the Safer Cities: Her Way 2 grant program.
Minister for Transport John Graham said this was the second round of the first-of-its-kind Safer Cities: Her Way program.
"This new funding builds on the success of the Safer Cities program, which has already engaged with around 30,000 people to shape projects across more than 80 communities across the state.
"Whether walking, riding or using public transport, everyone has the right to travel safely and feel safe in public spaces, both day and night.
"It's important we continue to invest in programs like this to help deliver local upgrades that make a big difference in building safer, vibrant, thriving communities for everyone."
Griffith Mayor, Councillor Doug Curran said Council was proud to secure the funding and continue building on the success of the previous Her Way program.
"This project is about listening to our community and creating public spaces where everyone feels safe, welcome and connected," Mayor Curran said.
"The Her Way 2680: Inclusive Places CBD Safety Strategy will help guide future planning decisions and ensure safety and inclusion are considered in all future CBD improvements."
Community feedback previously collected by Council highlighted perceptions of safety significantly declining after dark, with laneways, parks and transport areas identified as locations of concern.
The project outcomes will directly inform Council's future CBD Strategy and help shape safer, more inclusive streets, parks, crossings and public spaces across Griffith.
