THE re-allocation of funding for a CCTV system in Kempsey will have no bearing on the outcome of any new federal grant submission.
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Kempsey Shire Council General Manager David Rawlings said the National Crime Prevention Fund (NCPF) was not aimed solely at CCTV installation.
The fund has been set up as a result of the Proceeds of Crime Act.
It targets street crime and gang violence and can be used for CCTV systems or other security measures.
The council was unsuccessful last year in its submission for a NCPF grant.
Federal Justice Minister Michael Keenan spoke with council officials including Mr Rawlings, mayor Cr Liz Campbell, and councillors Lou Kesby and Anthony Patterson during a visit to Kempsey last week.
He had been invited by Cowper MP Luke Hartsuyker, who was also present during the discussions on the need for security cameras in the town’s busiest retail areas within the CBD and in West Kempsey.
Mr Rawlings said it had been “sensible” to re-allocate $60,000 from the 2013-14 council budget to the installation of a CCTV system.
Councillors at last week’s monthly meeting sanctioned the move after a long debate.
It had been intended to use the $60,000 to pay for the maintenance of a new system, but the money remains unused because of the unsuccessful grant application.
Mr Rawlings said there were processes to go through to determine the best locations for cameras.
“We may not put them into Smith St, if it’s shown other locations have a greater need for CCTV coverage,” he said.
“Of course, we want to be able to have a system that covers everywhere, but we’ll do what we can within the funds available.”
Mr Rawlings said cameras were just one tool in addressing crime and anti-social behaviour.
He said the council worked closely on its community safety strategy with the police.
Environmental design was another key component of the strategy.
Identifying locations where there were ‘hidey holes’ or dark areas that could facilitate crime or anti-social behaviour were an important aspect.
“These can make people feel unsafe and opening up (these areas) can make them feel safer,” Mr Rawlings said.
“In light of all this, we do not need a huge investment of money (for CCTV cameras), but council sees it as very important to have the involvement of police and other government departments.”
