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The Australian Rail Track Corporation (ARTC) is investing more than $100,000 in new high tech security lighting as part of its contribution to the ongoing multi-agency response to unsociable community behaviour and rock throwing in Moree.
ARTC’s General Manager Asset Delivery – Hunter Valley, Scott Chapman, said lighting installation works started yesterday and would be completed by the end of the week.
“Like Council, the Police, RMS and other members of the community, we have continued to be concerned by the anti-social behaviour, vandalism and trespass that has persisted since the opening of the Moree Bypass,” Mr Chapman said.
“Unfortunately security fencing in this location has proved no match for regular vandalism. Along with damage to rail property and the rock throwing at passing vehicles from the noise mounds next to the bypass – our hope is this new lighting will act as an important deterrent.”
While the fencing is repaired as quickly as possible, it is often vandalised shortly after and only this year, it has escalated to vandals placing broken glass, discarded syringes and other sharp objects along the fence line to discourage future repairs.
As a result, ARTC is investing in 22, eight-metre-high, solar powered lights to help light up the precinct.
“Council wishes to acknowledge the major contribution made by the ARTC to assist with a resolution to the rock throwing issues along the Moree Bypass,” Moree Plains Shire Council’s Director of Planning and Community Development Angus Witherby said.
“The ARTC’s contribution towards enhanced security lighting improves safety for train drivers and also provides much better surveillance of the area.”
“These new lights will hopefully go some way to discourage the anti-social activity taking place – but we urge the entire community to stay vigilant and report illegal or worrying behaviour where possible,” Mr Chapman said.
“These types of issues require a whole-of-community response and we remain committed to working with the community to find some resolution. We also strongly commend the leadership role Council has been taking on this matter.”
In October ARTC also installed new rubber panel pedestrian level crossings and renewed the path at Moree Station.
ENDS
Media contact – ARTC: Bas Bolyn, 0477 340 658
Media contact – Council: Catherine Davis, 02 6757 3244