Cameras promised for Peninsula

Both Federal Liberal and Labor parties have announced funding for closed circuit television cameras on the Woy Woy Peninsula.

Member for Robertson Mr Jim Lloyd announced that a re-elected Howard Government would provide funding for the installation of CCTV cameras in the central business districts of Woy Woy, Ettalong and Umina.

Shadow Minister for Human Services, Housing, Youth and Women Ms Tanya Plibersek announced that a Rudd Labor Government would fund the installation of a closed circuit television system on the Peninsula to "reduce crime in the area".

Ms Plibersek made the $680,000 funding announcement while visiting the Peninsula on September 24.

Mr Lloyd said that he would "continue to fight" for the installation of security cameras on the Peninsula and has committed that a re-elected Howard Government would provide funding for the initiative.

"Law and order is this single biggest issue raised with me by local Peninsula residents and this plan to install a closed circuit television camera system will make a significant difference in reducing anti-social behaviour and petty street crime in the area," Mr Lloyd said.

"I am disappointed that Gosford Council has decided not to support this important initiative for the Peninsula as revealed in the media.

"What makes it even more disappointing is that I was able to work well with council to secure Australian Government funding of $320,000 for CCTV cameras in the Gosford CBD not just 12 months ago.

"I have also been working with the office of Minister for Justice and Customs, Senator David Johnston, to secure additional funding for cameras in Woy Woy, Umina Beach and Ettalong.

"It was my understanding that Gosford Council would be in favour of an initiative that fights crime on the Peninsula.

"I will be writing to the mayor to encourage Gosford Council to support an application for Australian Government funding for CCTV cameras.

"It is not acceptable for the Peninsula area to be treated as a less important area by Gosford Council."

Ms Plibersek said Labor had listened to what the residents and business owners of the Peninsula wanted during the "long running community campaign".

"Under Labor's plans residents on the Woy Woy Peninsula will finally see some action and not just lip service on this important issue," Ms Plibersek said.

Ms Plibersek said Labor Candidate for Robertson Ms Belinda Neal had been lobbying her federal counterparts for the commitment following a recent meeting with the Peninsula Chamber of Commerce.

"This initiative will act not only as a deterrent but will also deliver an effective tool to assist police in identifying and convicting offenders," Ms Plibersek said.

"I recently had the opportunity to meet with representative from the Peninsula Chamber of Commerce who have been lobbying for CCTV for a long time and by working together we have achieved a positive outcome for the residents of the Peninsula.

"I personally took this issue up with my federal colleagues who saw the value that closed circuit television can offer.

"This is a big win for the Peninsula and a demonstration that Labor has fresh ideas when it comes to delivering infrastructure to benefit all Australians."

Ms Plibersek said funding would be provided to council who would manage the installation process, including the final decision of camera locations in consultation with NSW Police and other stakeholders.

She said "up to 30 high definition" surveillance cameras would be installed in the township of Umina, Ettalong and Woy Woy.

Press release, 16, 20 Sep 2007 Jim Lloyd, Member for Robertson Press release, 24 Sep 2007 Belinda Neal, Labor Candidate for Robertson