Twenty-four new CCTV cameras enhance safety in town centre

December 16, 2020

Gunnedah’s town centre will be an even safer place with the addition of 24 high definition closed circuit television (CCTV) cameras.

The completion of the Western Central Business District CCTV Safety Enhancement Project sees a further 24 cameras installed at various locations from the Elgin Street to Chandos Street roundabouts, ensuring the main street has full coverage.

Chair of Gunnedah Shire Council’s Crime Prevention Working Group Councillor Colleen Fuller said Council had secured a $32,910 grant as part of the fourth round of the $10 million NSW Community Safety Fund, which supports innovative crime prevention projects across the State. Council provided an additional $15,000 towards the project.

“We are committed to supporting not only the safety of our community and our visitors, but to the security of our local business owners,” Councillor Fuller said. “We want our town centre to be a hub where people can gather together safely no matter what time of the day or night it is and go to community events and support local retail outlets.

“Our quality of life and the liveability of our community is part of what makes Gunnedah such a great place to be.”

The project was identified after Council’s Crime Prevention Working Group undertook a walking review of the closed circuit television (CCTV) network in the Gunnedah CBD. The review was conducted to revisit the current locations of cameras and determine future approaches to maintaining and expanding the network.

The CCTV network will allow real-time monitoring of high-traffic areas and will help police keep a closer eye on the CBD, which will in turn support them in their efforts to secure successful prosecutions, sending a clear message to perpetrators that if they do the wrong thing, they will be caught and they will face the consequences.

Gunnedah Police Station’s Inspector Michael Wurth said he commended the work done by the Gunnedah Shire Council, in particular members of the Crime Prevention Working Group, for ensuring the initiative came to fruition.

“CCTV is one of a number of investigative tools that are available to police to prevent, disrupt and respond to incidents of crime,” Inspector Wurth said.

“I also encourage the owners of all businesses, along with residences of houses that have CCTV at home, to register their CCTV online at: https://www.police.nsw.gov.au/online_services/register_my_business_cctv_details

“The online site has further information regarding security of information including your details and what consent is required from you before NSW Police Force can use any imagery.”

The Council CCTV network in the town centre now includes 62 cameras between Gunnedah Services and Bowling Club and Livvi’s Place in Conadilly Street.

Caption: Chair of Gunnedah Shire Council’s Crime Prevention Working Group Councillor Colleen Fuller and Gunnedah Inspector Michael Wurth in Gunnedah’s CBD where 52 council cameras are now in place.

ENDS

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