ALBURY’S night club strip will become safer with the installation of 52 security cameras courtesy of $450,000 federal government funding announced on Thursday.
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The closed-circuit television cameras will be located at strategic, but yet confirmed locations, on Dean Street as part of a roll out from the Coalition’s safer streets program.
The funding will be provided to Albury Council with a further $122,000 provided for 17 cameras in Griffith which has been added to the Farrer electorate held by Sussan Ley since the last election.
Federal Justice Minister Michael Keenan said the funding was drawn from the Proceeds of Crime Account, which was money taken from criminals and reinvested into prevention of further crime.
“Only safe communities can be strong and prosperous and the best way to tackle crime and anti-social behaviour is to prevent it from happening,” he said.
Ms Ley lives in Albury and is across safety issues on Dean Street late at night.
“Investment in security infrastructure at local crime hotspots is proven to reduce fear of crime and contribute to greater community safety and resilience,” she said.
“This funding also supports the invaluable work already being done by our local police.”
The council has been divided on the introduction of CCTV with the most recent debate focused on the camera technology.
It originally budgeted $275,000 for a wireless-based system in Dean Street before a consultant recommended a 37-camera, fibre optic cable powered set-up.
The super system would have provided additional coverage into other streets and QEII Square.
Dean Street late-night trader, Cr Daryl Betteridge, ex-mayor Alice Glachan and council’s former representative on the liquor accord, Cr David Thurley have all opposed CCTV.
In the pro-CCTV camp have been Cr Darren Cameron, Cr Kevin Mack, Cr Graham Docksey, Cr Ross Jackson and mayor Henk van de Ven.
“I am delighted the project will go ahead,” Cr Cameron said.
“Despite resistance from Cr Thurley, Cr Betteridge and Cr Glachan, I am glad it will be go ahead anyway.
“Credit where credit is due.
“The federal government is contributing a significant amount of money for CCTV and I believe central Albury, in particular Dean Street, will be a safer place for it.”
