Audit exposes safety concerns

NEWS

A safety audit in and around the Valley Entertainment Precinct (VEP) unearthed major concerns with public transport, identified a homeless squat and possibly two rave party venues.

he audit – the second and last for 2010 – was initiated by the Valley Chamber of Commerce’s (VCC) subcommittee, the Valley Community Safety Group, and was organised in association with the BCC and Fortitude Valley Police.
Conducted between 2-5am last Sunday week, more than 60 people from the BCC, Valley Liquor Accord (VLA), Police, VCC, property and businesses owners and community organisations attended. Safety audits have been conducted since 2005 and canvass Fortitude Valley, New Farm, Newstead, Bowen Hills and Teneriffe with many significant results achieved.
The areas inspected during the general safety audit were:
• St Paul’s Terrace (bounded by Baxter St, Water St, Constin/Constance St, incl. Misterton St)
• St Paul’s Terrace (Brunswick St, Alfred St, Constance St incl. Julia St Yeovil St and Ranwell Lane)
• Wickham St (Brunswick St Mall - Ann St, Barlow St, Barlow St Warner/Alden St/Overells Lane)
• Wickham St Constance St- Anne, St East St incl. Green Square Close & Bridge St • Brookes St (Prospect, Light, Wickham St) incl. Hynes and Bridge Sts
• Wickham St (Murri Way, Ann St, Church St including Nardoo St/Bonney Lane) Valley

Metro’s problems were poor signage, a lack of ticket outlets and because Fortitude Valley Railway station is only open 15 minutes of each hour it forced people to queue on Brunswick St.
Warner Street was labelled a ‘shambles’ because of traffic chaos. The street is heavily congested with bus services using the busy thoroughfare as a holding area in lieu of a proper bus terminus and also is home to a taxi rank and a multi story car park. The audit recognised the need for an alternative bus route and hence moving stops out of the street to avoid double parking and traffic chaos.
A homeless squat was discovered within 400m of the Valley Police Station and other issues spotted were inadequate street lighting, raised footpaths, blind spots in car parks and damaged fencing around QR property which allowed easy access for graffiti artists.
Poorly lit off-street places were identified as possible areas that could be utilised by drug users.
Co-chair of the Valley Chamber Property Owners Group Carol Gordon said it was a highly successful audit and the identification of potential drug taking areas was important for people’s safety.
“It was great to see the licensed premises, business and property owners, Brisbane City Council workers and police a like identifying issues first hand and in many cases it’s only the simple things that need repair which can make a real difference,” Ms Gordon said.
“A concern is that many property owners have recently turned off their external lighting in what may be a cost saving measure because of significant increases in electricity charges. We’d like to see those property owners install sensor lighting as an alternative rather than turning off lights.
“Public transport concerns were also noted. Many of these are long term problems and it’s imperative they are addressed.”
The audit is an integral part of a wider number of safety campaigns by the VCC including the Valley’s Safer Venues program, which is in its third year.