Chamber pushes main street cameras

Peninsula Chamber of Commerce has announced it will push for closed circuit television in the Umina Beach and Woy Woy commercial areas.

"What we need is closed circuit TV in the main street as a tool to assist the police in reducing crime and identifying those who are responsible for it," vice-president Mr Tom Tregent said.

"We also plan to push for CCTV at the Umina Beach Surf Club where much of the Friday and Saturday night trouble starts from.

"The Peninsula Chamber has already prepared an assessment for CCTV in the Ettalong Beach town centre.

"We want to combine these efforts with CCTV for Umina Beach and Woy Woy so as to attract funding through the Federal Government's National Community Crime Prevention Program.

"At Umina Beach, the digital CCTV plan would include both static and remote cameras located in strategic locations through West St, Bullion St car park and the Umina Beach Surf Club car park.

"Data would be relayed and stored at a head receiver possibly at the Ettalong Beach Club where we hope to integrate the system with Gosford Council's network to be installed in Gosford this year".

"Whilst we have missed out on the current round of funding, we plan to work with Gosford Council and the NSW Police Service to ensure that this proposal is fully researched and documented for the next round of Federal funding later this year," Mr Tregent said.

"Government and community organisations have tried everything to stem the tide of criminal and anti-social behaviour particularly in Umina Beach with little effect.

"It's time now to identify, track down and charge offenders using surveillance cameras so the police have the best opportunity to catch these people."

Press release, 5 Jan 2006 Tom Tregent, Peninsula Chamber of Commerce