By Ruza Zivkusic
A PUBLIC forum between Brimbank City Council officers, the police and Cairnlea residents last Thursday night tried to tackle problems at Moorland Park.
Half a dozen concerned residents questioned what could be done to prevent vandalism and stop youth congregating at the park during summer season and causing noise and violence.
Weekends have been identified to be a major problem for Cairnlea residents living near the Edgewater Circuit, where youth consume alcohol, vandalise the park and harass residents.
Sue Jesensek moved into her isolated home at the lake two years ago and said it was a constant battle with teenagers disturbing her family.
“We’re seriously thinking about selling our home because I’ve had enough,” said Ms Jesensek, who says she has had children throwing stones at her front door and eggs at her car.
“We had somebody urinating at our front doorstep when we first moved in. We called the police four times but nothing has been done about it,” Mrs Jesensek said.
Brimbank was described as a demanding area with restricted police resources, Senior Sergeant Mick Shaughnessy said.
“We, too, are very frustrated. We are very aware of the issues but the resources are restricted,” he told the forum.
“Jack” and “Christine” bought their house a year ago near Shearwater Meadow Lake in Cairnlea.
It was the lake’s wildlife that attracted the couple to buy the property but they said they were disgusted at people coming during the night and shooting the ducks at the lake.
“I regret paying a lot extra to live in that location when I could have got land a lot cheaper if it wasn’t on that lake,” Christine said.
During the forum, residents suggested a security car patrolling the area would put a stop to the problems.
Brimbank City Council Community Safety Planner Jodie Johnson said it was the first time a public forum was held at Moorland Park. “We’re here because we recognise that there is an issue and we need to address that,” she said.
“Bernadette” said it was a step forward knowing that council had listened to the residents’ concerns.
“I know that nothing is going to change within 24 hours but I hope that in the future they take it on board and listen to their community,” she said.
Survey letters were sent to 35 residents living near the Moorland Park and only seven responses were sent back to Brimbank City Council, Ms Johnson said.
