CCTV cameras making community safer in Hervey Bay

The Fraser Coast community will be safer with funding announced today to install CCTV cameras on the Esplanade thanks to a Federal Government program.

Federal Member for Hinkler Keith Pitt announced the Fraser Coast Regional Council would receive $122,900 under Round 3 of the Safer Communities Fund.

“I congratulate the council on being proactive in applying for funding for 33 CCTV cameras which will act as an anti-social behaviour deterrent,” Mr Pitt said.

“The Safer Communities Fund delivers on the Coalition’s ongoing commitment to keep Australians safe and secure.

“Only safe communities can be strong and prosperous, and the best way to tackle crime and anti-social behaviour is to prevent it happening,” he said.

The 33 CCTV cameras would improve safety at the Council’s beachfront caravan parks, Fraser Coast Deputy Mayor Darren Everard said.

“The cameras will have a range of benefits to the region.

“For too long caravan parks have been an easy target for thieves. The cameras will improve safety and deter thieves which will boost our reputation and encourage more visitors.

“An increase in tourism numbers has a huge effect on the regional economy.

“It has been a pleasure to work with the Australian Government to get this project underway,” Mr Everard said.

More than 300 projects will have been delivered by the Coalition Government across Australia over the three rounds to keep Australians safe.

The Minister for Home Affairs Peter Dutton said that all Australians have a right to feel safe and secure when their communities come together.

“The Coalition will continue to assist local councils and organisations to address crime and anti-social behaviour and make our nation safer,” Mr Dutton said.

The Safer Communities Fund, a 2016 election commitment, initially received $40 million to support local communities to address crime and anti-social behaviour and to protect organisations that may face risks from racial or religious intolerance. This further commitment brings the total amount available under the Safer Communities Fund to $70 million between 2016-17 and 2019-20.