We, the residents of Winterfield Estate (Winter Valley), are calling for urgent action to address the escalating crime and safety concerns within our community.

Over recent months, there has been a noticeable and alarming increase in criminal and antisocial behaviour throughout the estate. Incidents reported by residents include car thefts, repeated car break-ins, drug-related activity, physical assaults, and groups of youths engaging in violent behaviour, including children being seriously harmed and a lot of near miss serious injuries.

The public park located along Steamoboat Avenue, Moritz Drive, Sundance Boulevard and Portillo Drive has become a central hotspot for these incidents, particularly at night. Due to extremely poor lighting and a lack of CCTV or surveillance, this area has become unsafe and effectively unmonitored. Residents are frequently exposed to distressing situations, including witnessing assaults and ongoing disturbances. The young group of youths are beating up children including females. 

Emergency services have been contacted numerous times by multiple households and members of the community, often repeatedly within the same evening. However, there is growing concern within the community regarding delayed responses and, in some cases, a lack of police attendance altogether. This has left residents feeling unsupported, unsafe, and increasingly vulnerable in their own neighbourhood.

Despite residents providing evidence and consistently reporting incidents, there has been little to no visible change, no increased patrol presence, and no preventative measures implemented to deter further crime.

This petition calls on Ballarat City Council and relevant authorities to take immediate and meaningful action to restore safety within our community, including:

• Installation of adequate lighting in high-risk areas, particularly the park. 

• Installation of CCTV cameras to deter and monitor criminal behaviour. 

• Increased police presence and proactive patrols within the estate. 

• A formal review of safety and crime prevention measures within Winterfield Estate

Our community deserves to feel safe. We should not have to fear for our property, our children, or our personal wellbeing within our own neighbourhood.

We urge authorities to take these concerns seriously and act before the situation escalates further. And if a 000 call is made, police actually attend and show care for the community safety.

Signed,

Residents of Winterfield Estate