As part of the $69,000 project, six new LED lights with marine-grade poles and vandal-resistant, in-ground lights will be installed along the foreshore.

The state government announced $60,000 towards the lights under the public safety infrastructure fund. 

Premier and member for South West Coast Denis Napthine said the new lights would help decrease property damage and antisocial behaviour, and increase the natural surveillance of the area at night.

Dr Napthine said that East Beach was a popular tourist destination but was poorly lit and needed the lighting upgrades to deter crime, particularly vandalism and theft, at nearby residences and businesses. 

“The improved lighting will make the area easier for Victoria Police to patrol and ensure that residents and visitors feel more comfortable returning to their car after dark.” 

Dr Napthine said the fund continued to provide councils with money and support to build safer communities, improve confidence in public places and reduce opportunities for crime and antisocial behaviour. 

“Local people are best placed to come up with local solutions for crime problems in their area, and this latest initiative in Port Fairy is a great example of that,” he said.