ROAD repairs are in the firing line from July, if Kempsey Shire Council’s special rate variation submission is unsuccessful.
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But the installation of CCTV cameras in Kempsey’s main business areas will feature among the council’s priorities to be put on public exhibition.
The council’s operating plan from July 2014 to June 2015 was debated at length at the April meeting – held at Stuarts Point - on Tuesday.
The plan outlines how the council will operate its services and activities within its budget over the 12-month period.
It has been drawn up from the delivery plan, which covers the four-year term of the current council.
General Manager David Rawlings has identified a need to scale back the council’s road works program, rather than cutting back on services, for the 2014-15 financial year – if the 9.3 per cent rates increase is not granted in full by the Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal (IPART).
The draft operating plan will be put on exhibition for 28 days, during which time individuals or organisations may make submissions on any aspect of it.
The plan has been drawn up to ensure a balanced budget, and is based on the full rates increase.
The council’s economic development would focus on growth in the agriculture sector, while reducing the resources it makes available for supporting tourism in the Macleay.
A prolonged debate ensued when Cr Anthony Patterson implored his fellow councillors to approve the long-delayed installation of security cameras in the CBD and the business area of West Kempsey.
“Isn’t it important?” he said.
“I think it’s important.”
Cr Patterson expressed his frustration that the matter had been in the pipeline for years, but had not progressed to the stage of installation.
The council was unsuccessful last year in its grant application for federal funding from the Proceeds of Crime.
Cr Patterson said holding out for funding did nothing to improve safety or to reduce anti-social behaviour in the centre of town.
Councillors agreed on the need for a CCTV system, but Crs Sue McGinn and Ashley Willaims argued it would be better to wait for the introduction of the ‘smart poles’ planned for the revitalisation of Smith St.
The Mayor, Cr Liz Campbell, said the visit of federal Justice Minister Michael Keenan could be favourable in the council’s attempts to secure funding.
She warned Cr Patterson of the need for coordination.
“If we don’t do it that way, you have a scattergun knee-jerk approach,” she said.
“You have to have a plan in place.”
Cr Patterson said police should determine the locations of cameras.
There was further discussion of how council staff should start installing a new CCTV system, but Cr Campbell cut short the debate, saying councillors did not dictate how roads were maintained and it should be similar for this issue.
It will be funded with the $60,000 set aside in this year’s budget for CCTV maintenance.