Strategy launched to make Sydney safer and more accessible for women and girls

The Rocks precinct in Sydney will become a safer, more accessible and enjoyable place for women and girls, following a NSW government initiative announced yesterday on the eve of International Women’s Day.

As part of the state government’s $30 million Safer Cities project, led by Transport NSW, ministers announced the Women’s Safety Strategy for The Rocks/Tallawoladah, located in Sydney’s CBD.

NSW Minister for Women Jodie Harrison noted “I’m delighted that the NSW Government is launching this strategy. The theme for 2024 is ‘Count her in: Invest in Women. Accelerate Progress’ and with the Rocks Women’s Safety Strategy we are doing just that. We’re investing in better lighting and signage to make this historic precinct more inclusive for women and girls.

“Being able to access public spaces is fundamental to women and girls being able to participate in the economy and society. Making spaces safer for women and girls also benefits everyone in the community, allowing them to better enjoy what our cities have to offer.”

NSW Minister for Transport Jo Haylen added “Women and girls deserve to feel safe in our public spaces, and our Safer Cities program is helping us achieve that goal.

“With lighting, art and simple activations, we’re bringing life into our streets and our suburbs, so that everyone can feel safe as they move around at night-time.

“The Rocks is the latest precinct where our Safer Cities team will work with locals to come up with innovative ways to make to ensure they can feel safer and have an enjoyable night out.”

The strategy comes as part of the $30 million Safer Cities program led by Transport for NSW, which aims to create places that feel safer for everyone, whether it’s day or night.

The strategy provides a new framework to help increase the experiences of visitors while in the precinct by enhancing a sense of safety. It includes key improvements such as better lighting, more signage, and better access to public spaces to support free movement when alone at night.

It was developed in line with key feedback received through community consultation, and data and technical analysis.

Functioning as a guiding document for all future development at The Rocks, the strategy will help all stakeholders make better planning decisions to improve the experience for everyone who visits.

Public domain improvement projects planned in the precinct include:

• Unwin’s Courtyard – an upgrade of lighting and improved access and landscaping.

• Nurse’s Walk – implementation of lighting upgrades along Nurse’s Walk, Globe Street, Suez Canal, Greenway Lane and Well Courtyard, and public art.

• Foundation Park – lighting and wayfinding improvements.

Women's Safety Commissioner Dr Hannah Tonkin enthused “This work is a fantastic example of collaboration and coordination across government to deliver improved women’s safety outcomes.

“The Strategy will help all those involved in the precinct’s urban governance make informed decisions to make The Rocks a safer place for women, girls and the whole community.”

Placemaking NSW Chief Executive Anita Mitchell added “The Rocks is an iconic heritage precinct where visitors can experience a unique part of Sydney. This strategy is about ensuring those experiences are positive for everyone.

“We sought input from women and girls about their personal experiences and undertook technical analysis so this work could be backed by both perceptions of safety and by data.

“We’re excited this strategy will result in tangible outcomes for The Rocks precinct and other communities.”

More information on The Rocks/Tallawoladah Women's Safety Strategy.