Lavington CCTV investigation

At their fortnightly meeting tonight, councillors also voted to allocate up to $25,000 to engage a consultant to prepare concept plans and cost estimates.

It follows an extensive consultation period in March and April this year that found some residents do not feel safe in the Lavington CBD – especially at night – while more than half of the business owners surveyed reported experiencing problems with crime.

More than half of the residents surveyed (60 per cent) felt CCTV cameras would be an effective crime deterrent while 54 per cent of business operators expressed the same view.

AlburyCity Mayor Kevin Mack said the investigation would include a preliminary design and costing of a CCTV network in Lavington.

“The CCTV network in central Albury has been an outstanding success and police tell us they couldn’t be happier with the way the system has enhanced their abilities to catch offenders,” he said.

“So this investigation will establish whether CCTV is a viable crime-fighting measure for Lavington and if the inquiry stacks up, we can then push for funding to develop the network with the full support of police.

“Although there’s no funding set aside for the network and no guarantee that any will be become available in the future it’s important that we’re ready to proceed should any funding opportunities emerge further down the track.”

Meanwhile, Councillors also voted not to pursue the placement of mobile CCTV cameras at roundabouts in Lavington and North Albury to deter hoon driving.

The decision follows a report to council that found council has no ability to provide legally-enforceable data from CCTV cameras.

Council continues to work with police to deter dangerous driving.

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