Footscray's Nicholson Street Mall. (Cade Lucas) 549009_01
Cade Lucas
Private security guards patrolling the Footscray CBD could soon be replaced by a welcome crew after Maribyrnong council unveiled its new place management and activation plan for the area at its meeting on 21 April.
In February, Maribyrnong council voted to end a trial of security guard patrols in central Footscray by the middle of the year and then transition to a ‘civic led’ approach.
In a proposal presented at its meeting on 21 April, the civic led approach was revealed in the form of the ‘Footscray Welcome Crew.’
Described as a “visible, on-street presence that is welcoming, approachable and community-focused”, it’s proposed that the welcome crew will patrol the Footscray CBD from either 8.30am-4.30pm or 9am-5pm, Monday to Thursday, and from 11am-7pm, Thursday to Sunday, connecting people with appropriate services, supporting the vulnerable and helping traders, residents and visitors with queries or issues.
While crew members will be trained in areas such as mental health first aid, conflict de-escalation and cultural awareness, the proposal makes clear that is not an outreach service or substitute for police and members will not have enforcement powers.
However, it is hoped the welcome crew will help improve the overall perception of safety and amenity in the Footscray CBD, the perceived lack of which led to the adoption the security guard trial in September last year.
While the presence of security guards has been welcomed by local traders, opponents claim they have made the area less safe and in some instances, resorted to intimidating or even violent behaviour.
Council’s decision at its February meeting to not end the security guard trial, but instead extend it until June, drew an angry response from the public gallery.
However, there was no such rancour at the 21 April meeting, with councillors expressing cautious optimism that the welcome crew proposal had struck the right balance.
“This is a first cut,” Cr Susan Yengi said of the draft proposal.
“This probably won’t tick the box for everybody, but hopefully with community feedback we’ll get a model that will work for everyone.”
The proposal is open for public feedback until 17 May at: yourcityyourvoice.com.au/footscray-cbd
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