Council given $138,500 for security cameras to curb Griffith (NSW) street crime

NSW - GRIFFITH’S CBD will soon be monitored by CCTV security cameras after council yesterday received more than $100,000 in federal funding to install the infrastructure.

The funding comes after several years of solid campaigning and an application knock back from the National Community Crime Prevention Program just over a year ago.

The $138,500 announcement has pleased the city’s leaders and business owners, with mayor Dino Zappacosta describing it as a major boost in the battle against crime.
“I am absolutely delighted with the funding because CCTV was one of the main issues from the New Year’s Day tragedy. It will allow us to address our first objective which was to stem anti-social behaviour,” Councillor Zappacosta said.

He said the cameras would almost definitely curb crime in the city.

“One of the immediate results will be a reduction in anti-social behaviour, such as bashings, litter bin damage and shop premises damage,” he said.

Riverina MP Kay Hull said she too was thrilled with the grant.

“The Griffith community has been working tirelessly towards plans for dealing with anti-social behaviour and crime in the city and I believe this project is an
important part of these plans,” Mrs Hull said.

The cameras are something which the chamber of commerce has fought long and hard for, with a 2005 chamber survey indicating 87 per cent of CBD retailers wanted CCTV.

Banna Avenue shop owner Graham McGann said he believed the new cameras would improve the safety of his shop, Gizmos.

“Depending on where the cameras go, it will be of benefit to shop owners,” he said.

“I have CCTV in the shop and at times I have had it on the street and been amazed to see what goes on at different times of the day.”

Meanwhile, chamber of commerce president Craig Tilston said he was pleased with the announcement, but warned it couldn’t solve all crime problems.

“This is going to be good for business owners and good for Griffith as a whole, but it won’t solve all issues. It will, however,  help give retailers peace of mind and it’s an extra set of eyes for the police,” he said.

However, Cr Zappacosta said it was too early to reveal details such as the camera’s costs.

“At this stage we are not sure how many cameras we will have but it will be a substantial amount of what we applied for. Council will make provisions to make sure CCTV will be installed and any shortfalls will be covered by council,” he said.

And the exact location of the cameras, he said, would be kept secret.

“They will be in the centre of the CBD.”