Federal Member for Macquarie Bob Debus delivered one of his final election promises last week when he announced the Springwood Chamber of Commerce will receive $70,000 for the installation of a CCTV system and lighting.
Mr Debus said the cameras should help reduce crime, anti-social behaviour and vandalism in the shopping precinct.
“The Springwood Safer Suburbs Project is designed to help reduce crime in Springwood and meets a commitment I made during last year’s election campaign,” he said.
“It’s often these community based projects which have the most success at tackling crime in local areas and the Springwood Chamber of Commerce is well placed to achieve these outcomes.”
Springwood Chamber of Commerce president Allen Larkin welcomed the funding, which could see more than 12 new cameras installed in the town centre.
“Now we can start talking to contractors and see what we can best get for the money,” he said.
Mr Larkin said the CCTV would have a positive impact on vandalism and improve people’s sense of safety.
He allayed fears the cameras would create a ‘Big Brother’ atmosphere in Springwood.
“The point to make clear is that these things can only be installed under very serious guidelines from the attorney-general’s department,” he said.
As part of these guidelines, the community will be formally consulted before the CCTV system is installed.
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