Orange City Council will meet with stakeholders named in the report, including police, Country Energy, the Department of Housing and council staff to work on fixing identified problems.

Council commissioned the report.

It involved a team of police from the Crime Prevention Team and Commissioner’s Inspectorate undertaking an audit in the city with stakeholders last November.

The report was divided into three areas - the central business district, Bowen and Glenroi.

One overall recommendation is to replace the yellow (low pressure sodium) lighting as it creates fear and avoidance.

Country Energy has told the Central Western Daily it is looking at cost-effective energy-saving options to replace the lights.

In the CBD, Post Office Lane was identified as needing another set of gates to block off the lane at night.

There is one set near the Myer loading dock.

The southern forecourt and northern forecourt areas were identified as needing work.

Foliage should be cut back and lighting improved as people congregate there to drink or urinate out of sight.

Homeless people also sleep there at night.

The report also says lighting in some city car parks did not meet minimum standards.

They should be reviewed as part of an overall lighting plan which needs to be developed.

In the Bowen area the audit team found that rubbish and the lack of maintenance encouraged potential offenders.

Also, escaping criminals used laneways between streets to escape, the audit identified.

The report also said the general impression of safety in the area was poor and projected an image of poor urban decay.

However, several proactive crime management unit strategies and the establishment of good relations in the community were promoting positive reinforcement, according to the report.

The Glenroi area has been praised for its community facilities.

However because they are sporadically placed, the local community did not fully benefit, said the report.

It also said stakeholders needed to deal with issues such as derelict houses, car hoons using Glenroi Oval because of easy access, vandalism and the lack of lighting maintenance in the area.

Head of council’s crime prevention committee Cr Glenn Taylor said the report was a catalyst to ensure there are regular audits to make Orange safer.

Regional manager of Country Energy Chas McPhail said the energy provider was keen to work with council to create a new lighting plan for the city.

Cr Taylor said he was keen to see more community representatives on the crime prevention committee who can give regular, valuable input.

l Are there places in Orange where you don’t feel safe? Email Janice.harris@ruralpress.com