Melbourne High School Fortifies Gates Against Dog Walkers and Trespassers
Share
Melbourne High School is investing $400,000 to secure its heritage-listed gates and grounds, aiming to deter the increasing number of local dog walkers and pedestrians using the campus as a shortcut and unofficial park. The move comes amid frustration from staff over the impact on the school's oval and general tidiness.
Key Takeaways
- Melbourne High School is spending $400,000 on security upgrades.
- The upgrades aim to prevent unauthorised public access, particularly by dog walkers.
- Concerns include damage to the oval, dog faeces, and general trespassing.
- The school is heritage-listed and has specific security needs.
The Growing Problem
Teachers at the prominent South Yarra school have expressed long-standing frustration with the unauthorised use of its grounds. The riverside oval, in particular, has become a popular spot for dog walkers, with many also using the campus as a shortcut between the Yarra River and the Chapel Street shopping precinct. Principal Tony Mordini highlighted that the issue has been exacerbated by the rise of high-rise apartments, increasing pressure on limited open space.
“It’s a cricket pitch, it’s turf. So by having people running all over it and dogs all over it, it could destroy it,” Mordini stated. He also pointed to the persistent issue of dog faeces disrupting after-school sports and creating a mess on the grounds of the state’s oldest government secondary school.
Trespassing and Security Measures
Despite efforts to deter the public, including the installation of a lock on the gates, some individuals have resorted to cutting through it. Mordini noted that when confronted, trespassers often argue for access outside school hours. However, he stressed that the school grounds are private property, and with various activities extending beyond 3:30 pm, including robotics classes, cadets, and sports, there's no guarantee of the grounds being empty.
The school's iron railing fence and gates, relocated from the Royal Exhibition Building in 1928, are heritage-protected. The $400,000 upgrade plan includes new secure gates set back from the historic ones, along with ongoing landscaping, paving, and the installation of lighting and surveillance utilities.
Council and Education Department Perspectives
Stonnington Council acknowledged the school's concerns, noting that dog walkers from the Forrest Hill area do use the oval. The council pointed out that several designated off-leash dog reserves are available within easy walking distance in Prahran, Windsor, and South Yarra.
The Victorian Education Department's policy generally supports community use of school grounds. However, the department also recognises that schools can implement security measures and signage to prohibit informal use due to security or antisocial behaviour concerns. While Melbourne High School's hockey and basketball courts are available for hire by community groups, Mordini emphasised the need to balance community access with the paramount importance of student and staff safety.