A Moree woman is calling for Moree Plains Shire Council to provide funding for the installation of lockers at the Moree Artesian Aquatic Centre (MAAC) after being a victim of theft at the facility last year.
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Natasha Livingstone has lodged a formal submission with council in the hopes that councillors will consider providing funding for lockers at the MAAC as part of their 2018-19 operational plan and budget, which is currently on public exhibition.
In December last year, Ms Livingstone’s car keys were stolen while she was swimming laps at the pool.
Although the thieves did not steal her car, the incident cost Ms Livingstone more than $500 to tow her car to a safe place, re-code the car and replace the stolen key, change the locks to her house and replace her house keys and keys to her workplace.
“Overall, the process was lengthy and distressing,” Ms Livingtsone said.
“Since then, I have been conscious that I have nowhere safe to leave my valuables at the pool when I go for a swim. I come to the pool to swim laps, which cannot be done whilst simultaneously ensuring the security of your possessions.”
Ms Livingstone has since been leaving her keys at the front desk when she does laps but recognises that this is not a practical or long-term solution to the problem.
She believes lockers provide the perfect solution, not only for the improved security and safety of patrons, but to support local police operations and boost tourism and visitation to Moree.
“I believe they will contribute to supporting emergency services in town by reducing the number of minor call-outs which are lodged to police on a regular basis,” she said.
“Looking at police statistics throughout 2017, there was an average of one call-out to the pool per month for instances of theft, and if you look at crime in the surrounding streets it goes up to two call-outs.
“The hours spent on just dealing with those calls is significant.
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“Installation of lockers at the MAAC would assist in decreasing the occurrence of opportunistic theft. This would then decrease the number of call-outs to the site for minor incidents of theft, and allow police resources to be directed to other, more significant work, which would improve the overall efficiency of police operations in the area.”
According to a quote Ms Livingstone has obtained from a locker company, a set of 15 mini plastic lockers (containing a total of 60 locker compartments suitable for storage of keys, a phone and wallet) would cost $4,000, not including freight.
At council’s May 24 meeting, councillors voted to investigate the provision of lockers at the MAAC, allocating up to $10,000 from the Council General Reserve Fund.
Ms Livingstone praised council for taking the issue seriously and now encourages others who believe lockers would benefit the pool and the town, to make a submission before the end of the 2018-19 operational plan and budget’s public exhibition period on June 25.
“I would strongly encourage anyone who thinks that this is an important issue to make their voice heard by contacting council and letting them know lockers are a good idea and worth the investment,” Ms Livingstone said.
“I don’t see what there is to lose.
“Installing lockers is not going to detract from funding commitments council has already made and will provide benefit to multiple aspects of society.
“People will find the pool a more enjoyable experience if they’re not having to look over their shoulders.
“It’s a one-off investment and they’ll be there forever.”