By Hamish Heard
PLAYING in Hobsons Bay is set to become much safer after a review of the municipality’s major playgrounds.
Council has bowed to Newport and Williamstown parents’ calls for perimeter fencing and shade facilities at playgrounds.
Two parks along The Strand in Williamstown have already been inspected by risk assessors who have recommended fences be erected to separate playgrounds from the adjoining bike path and nearby water’s edge.
Hobsons Bay Mayor Leigh Hardinge said the construction of safety fences would help increase childhood safety in some of Hobsons Bay’s popular playgrounds.
“Council will be conducting a thorough risk assessment of some of Hobsons Bay’s parks, especially those situated next to bike paths and Port Phillip Bay,” Cr Hardinge said.
The move follows a petition from the Children’s Safety Action Group calling for safer playgrounds.
The development of a “shade policy” would further enhance safety at the parks, Cr Hardinge said.
“We’re all aware of the dangers of the sun, and with summer just around the corner we need to refamiliarise ourselves with the ‘Slip, Slop, Slap’ principles,” Cr Hardinge said.
