TWO councillors want to see Bathurst on its way to having a comprehensive closed-circuit television (CCTV) network this year.
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While the number of cameras in the city has increased with the introduction of Bathurst Regional Council’s CCTV Funding Program, it is yet to have a full network that can be monitored.
Deputy mayor Bobby Bourke said a network of cameras is something he has wanted for years.
“We’ve waited too long in Bathurst,” he said.
“Cr (Ian) North and myself have wanted it for a long time and Cr (Alex) Christian is on board this year.
“If we start now in 2018, by 2020 we can have great CCTV coverage in the CBD.”
Cr Christian was elected to council for his first term in the 2017 Local Government Election.
In the weeks leading up to it, one of the key issues he spoke about during his campaign was the need for a full network of live CCTV cameras.
As both a police officer and a councillor, he feels very strongly about having the added security in the CBD.
“I want to see anywhere between 15 to 20 cameras in the CBD that can be monitored,” Cr Christian said.
He said 2020 is too far away and that this project could be achieved in the coming financial year, with a maximum investment of around $200,000 from council.
“I think if it is good enough for towns like Lithgow, Wellington and Orange, then it is enough for Bathurst,” he said.
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Cr Christian believes other councillors would support the idea.
“I know I’ve got the numbers in the chamber,” Cr Christian said.
“I think most councillors, if not all of them, support CCTV in the CBD, so personally I would be disappointed if we couldn’t have that in the budget.
“Bathurst hosts one of the largest sporting events in the country and events like the Bathurst 12 Hour are growing … for Bathurst not to have an extensive CCTV network, it is disgraceful.”
While there is no definite timeline for a full CCTV network in Bathurst, businesses can still get financial assistance to purchase cameras for their premises.
Applications are open for the latest round of the CCTV Funding Program.
Businesses within the local government area can apply for funding up to a maximum of $500 on a dollar-for-dollar basis.
For further details or an application package, contact 6333 6206 or visit council’s website.
Applications close at 4pm on Friday, February 16.
Projects need to be completed in the financial year.
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