At this month’s policy committee meeting, Bathurst Regional Council resolved to adopt a policy, which underpins the introduction, ongoing management and operation of the network. 

A draft of the policy had been on display for 28 days, drawing just one submission, which was largely positive. 

The policy committee meeting, held on December 5, gave councillors an opportunity to speak on the topic. 

Two of the strongest advocates for CCTV, councillors Ian North and Alex Christian, were quick to share their thoughts. 

Cr North has been on the CCTV bandwagon for nearly a decade and said this was the closest Bathurst had come to getting a comprehensive network. 

READ ALSO: Councillors say city has waited too long for full CCTV network

He said he was happy to see Bathurst reach this point as it had been “a long, hard battle”, but wanted confirmation that there would be funding allocated in council’s future budgets to expand the network.

In response to his question, council’s general manager, David Sherley, said that expansion had been accounted for. 

“Money has been provided for consideration when council adopts its budget,” he said.

Cr Christian, although relatively new to council, also recognised how long Bathurst had waited for better CCTV coverage and thanked council staff for pursuing it.

“We were falling a long way behind our neighbouring cities, so this is absolutely fantastic and I can’t wait for it to be up and running early next year,” he said. 

READ MORE: Christian’s counting down to roll-out of CCTV cameras

The cameras, once installed, won’t be monitored by council, but will capture images that police can use.

Police may intermittently view live images provided by the cameras.

It will be up to council to maintain the cameras.

The CBD CCTV scheme will be subject to annual review by council, which includes the analysis of crime statistics and data.