Ballarat’s CBD will have 20 operational CCTV cameras by September next year, following the announcement today (12/04) of $100,000 from the Federal Government for more cameras. The new cameras will be a valuable addition to a suite of initiatives designed to improve public safety in the city.
Ballarat Mayor, Cr Craig Fletcher who met with Minister for Justice the Hon Brendan O’Conner today and said the additional cameras, which will be funded under the Safer Suburbs Program, were a key next step in the extension of the city’s CCTV system, and part of the ongoing process of developing intervention, surveillance and prevention strategies in the CBD area.
Minister O’Connor, Catherine King the Member for Ballarat and Cr Craig Fletcher inspected the locations of the new cameras in Ballarat today.
“This federal funding is most welcome and will cover the cost of installing cameras in high activity areas in Mair Street and at the corner of Camp and Field Streets. The new cameras will be in line with the existing successful CCTV model in Ballarat where Council owns and maintains the CCTV infrastructure and the system is operated by Victoria Police”, Cr Fletcher said.
Cr Fletcher said Council had consulted closely with Victoria Police to identify areas of concern in the late night entertainment precinct and to determine the best locations for the new, federally-funded cameras.
“Council also undertook a review of the location of licensed premises which operate after 1am and examined the locations where breaches of relevant Local Laws had taken place”, Cr Fletcher said
“CCTV has been effective in assisting with behavioural change and has had an impact on anti-social behaviour in the precinct. CCTV is a crime detection tool which is known to have a deterrent effect and which can also assist police in apprehending offenders by providing clear footage of any incidents.
“Victoria Police have reported that since the introduction of cameras there have been approximately 65 incidents related to reports of assault or damages in the entertainment precinct where footage has been viewed and or/downloaded. Footage has also been downloaded to assist with the investigation of stolen vehicles, weapons offences, burglaries, thefts and hoon driving”, Cr Fletcher said.
“Crime prevention and improving behaviour in our communities is an issue for all citizens and one that is best tackled with the co-operation of all levels of government. I am most pleased that the Federal Government has chosen to fund additional CCTV cameras for Ballarat through its Safer Suburbs Program.
“These new cameras will in turn complement the four cameras Council has funded and is currently rolling out near the new Safe City Taxi Rank in Lydiard Street North (near the Ballarat Rail Station), and in Mair Street opposite the Camp Street intersection. Installation is due to be complete by June this year.
“However there is no single answer to public safety issues and Council is involved in managing a number of other projects in relation to community safety and the CBD. These include the Ballarat Safe City Taxi Rank, additional lighting in the CBD, and a Designated Driver initiative
Cr Fletcher said Council had also recently updated its Community Safety Action Plan (2008-2013).
The Community Safety Action Plan is a major initiative of our Community Safety Advisory Committee which includes representatives from a range of Victorian Government Departments, Victoria Police, Ballarat Child and Family Services,, Women’s Health Grampians, Ballarat Taxi Co-operative, University of Ballarat, Sports Central, Ballarat Regional Multicultural Council, Ballarat Liquor Accord, Committee for Ballarat, Delacombe Neighbourhood Renewal, Corrections Victoria, Bridge Mall Traders and members of the community.