By JONATHON HOWARD
BIG brother is about to get a whole lot bigger across Warwick and Stanthorpe with the State Government forking out more than $58,000 to expand closed circuit television (CCTV) camera networks.
The funding will also compliment more than $190,000 set aside in the Southern Downs Regional Council’s 2014-’15 budget for CCTV expansion at Warwick and the introduction of a CCTV network at Stanthorpe.
In total more than $250,000 in current and previous funding, as well as a government grant, will help boost the region’s CCTV networks.
Early estimates have revealed that Warwick could end up with more than 50 cameras watching the streets, up from the current 27.
Stanthorpe, where there is no current CCTV network, will receive 13 cameras.
Police will also have improved access and monitoring of the network with the introduction of wireless technology and the expansion and upgrade of the Warwick control centre.
Mayor Peter Blundell said the new security cameras would provide a much-needed improvement to the current CCTV network and continue to provide a criminal deterrent, safety aid and assist police investigations.
“This is a huge win for the Southern Downs and will boost our already large commitment to expand CCTV networks across the region,” Mayor Blundell said.
Mr Blundell said he felt the funds were being used appropriately despite suggestions the money could have been spent recruiting more police officers.
“This amount of money would not have gone far enough to allow for the employment of an additional police officer, however, I feel the use of these funds on CCTV improvements are well allocated and will go a long way towards assisting police,” he said.
Council’s Senior Infrastructure Officer Steve Brown said the funds would also improve the technological capabilities of the cameras to better identify individuals or groups.“This amount of funding will go a long way towards upgrading the current technology on the CCTV network, including the use of wireless cameras,” he said.
The focus, according to Premier Campbell Newman, was on public safety and security by funding a major expansion of CCTV networks across several Queensland towns.
Local Government Minister David Crisafulli said nine councils, including Brisbane, Logan, the Gold Coast and Moreton Bay would share in nearly $1.5 million to increase CCTV coverage in known crime hotspots.
“It doesn’t matter whether you’re out in Fortitude Valley, dining in Surfers Paradise, or walking in a park in Logan, we all deserve to feel safe when we’re out and about,” Mr Crisafulli said.
“Queenslanders love a good time and value our public infrastructure, and we are working closely with councils and police to crack down on assaults and vandalism to make sure our lifestyle isn’t trashed by mindless hoodlums.”
