Bathurst Regional Council is now taking applications for the next round of its CCTV Funding Program.

The program offers funding for the purchase and installation of closed circuit television (CCTV) cameras up to a maximum of $500 on a dollar for dollar basis. 

Mayor Graeme Hanger said this is the third year of the program and so far 48 businesses have been successful in their applications for funding. 

“[CCTV is] to assist local businesses improve security for their premises and adjacent public spaces,” he said. 

In their applications, businesses need to address certain criteria.

This includes the specifications, quality and source of equipment, information supporting and addressing the need for CCTV in the business location, and further information that indicates there is potential for coverage of the public spaces adjacent to the premises.

Businesses also have to give a guarantee that the cameras will be registered with Bathurst Police.

“The police have a confidential register of all premises that have CCTV to allow them to quickly access surveillance footage,” Cr Hanger said. 

“Not all premises register their equipment, but the police value knowing the location of the CCTV coverage so council has added this as a criteria of funding.”

Businesses need to have their cameras installed within 90 days of approval. 

Applications can be downloaded from council’s website.

For further information about the program, contact council’s Cultural and Community Services Department on 6333 6523.

Council will be accepting applications until Friday, August 17.

A stronger focus has been put on CCTV in Bathurst in recent years. 

Earlier this year, council committed to fully funding a CCTV network in Bathurst, which will see 15 to 20 CCTV cameras installed throughout the CBD.

The cameras are likely to be installed in William Street, Russell Street, Howick Street, George Street and Machattie Park, with council intending to have both fixed and pivoting cameras.