GUNNEDAH is taking further steps to safe-proof the town under plans to roll out more CCTV cameras.
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Gunnedah Shire Council’s Crime Prevention Working Group (CPWG) has earmarked sites for more cameras to be installed if it can secure federal funding.
It comes as Parkes MP Mark Coulton called for shires in his electorate to apply for grants from round two of the Coalition government’s Safer Communities Fund.
Gunnedah mayor Jamie Chaffey welcomed moves to further drive down crime across the town.
“We have a very active CPWG here with council that’s been in place for some time,” Cr Chaffey said.
“We’ve seen a remarkable turnaround in some of the statistics that unfortunately Gunnedah was renowned for years ago.
“There are a lot of compounding factors (that have driven down crime), such as the CPWG, the active liquor accord, and CCTV has also made a difference to the quality of life of people in Gunnedah.
“But we can’t be complacent. Any opportunity to further (that) it is something we’re quite excited about.”
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There are currently 17 CCTV cameras located across the western end of the CBD. The Gunnedah CPWG met on Tuesday night to discuss plans to roll out more in identified hot spots.
“We don’t want to be a nanny state, but where we’ve identified risks we have some ability to implement initiatives like CCTV,” Cr Chaffey said.
If funding is secured, more CCTV cameras will be rolled out across Conadilly Street, between Elgin and Abbott streets.
“Other stages, if successful, will be around Livvi’s Place and the inclusive playground to the western side of Conadilly Street, where there’s a significant amount of infrastructure,” he said.
“We’re continually monitoring, talking with our local police force and the community to identify other areas.
“There are many other preventative actions and programs we’re looking at to minimise the potential for crime. We have a mission to have a safe and very liveable community.
“We want to aim for zero incidents in our community.”
Mr Coulton said only safe communities can be strong and prosperous, and the best way to tackle crime and anti-social behaviour is to prevent it happening.
“It is so important that people feel safe walking around the streets in their own town,” Mr Coulton said.
Cr Chaffey thanked the federal government for making moves to safe-proof rural towns.
