BATHURST'S central business district will soon have around five kilometres of footpath covered by closed-circuit television, improving safety and security for the community.
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Bathurst Regional Council last month accepted a $397,986 tender from P&TS Group propriety limited for the next stage of construction of the CBD CCTV network, the conduit network.
Stage two of the project will see a continuation of the network, which already incorporates three blocks of Keppel Street, two blocks of William Street and about one block each of Bentinck, Russell and Howick streets.
Coverage will expand to encompass two full blocks of George Street, two blocks of Havannah Street and two blocks of Piper Street.
Stage two works will also see coverage extended on Howick, Russell, Keppel and William streets.
The first stage of the CBD CCTV network was switched on in July last year, with the network linked to Bathurst Police Station.
Director of council's Cultural and Community Services department, Alan Cattermole, said once stage two is switched on, there will be five kilometres of footpath coverage in the CBD.
The number of cameras is quite small in comparison to how much coverage they are able to provide.
"Stage one was 2000 metres and stage two will be 3000 metres. That's better than saying how many cameras, because the new technology of cameras means you can get a camera with amazing coverage," he said.
The community, and councillors, have long been calling for a comprehensive CCTV network in the CBD.
Between the two stages, council has spent close to $1 million on the network.
Council has financially contributed to the project, but has also received significant grants from higher levels of government to help pay for the network.
This isn't where the project stops however.
Councillors have requested an allocation for CCTV in the 2020-21 budget and council will continue to pursue grant opportunities.
