Chamber welcomes cameras

The Peninsula Chamber of Commerce has welcomed the Federal Government's recent announcement that the promised $680,000 of Federal funds for the Peninsula CCTV network has now been confirmed in the 2008-2009 Federal Budget.

"After years of lobbying by the Chamber of Commerce, this news is very welcome indeed," Chamber president Mr Matthew Wales said.

"Prior to the Federal election, now Federal Member for Robertson, Belinda Neal gave the Chamber an undertaking that the funds for the CCTV security cameras would be allocated so that cameras could be installed in each of the Peninsula town centres.

"The local business community is obviously very happy that that pledge has now been honoured and that the $680,000 will be made available to Gosford Council for the installation of the security camera network.

"The new CCTV security camera network will be integrated with the existing camera network in the Gosford town centre under the supervision of Gosford Council and in conjunction with NSW Police.

"The Chamber will be working with Gosford Council to ensure that the the Woy Woy, Umina Beach and Ettalong beach town centres receive the best security coverage possible from the proposed 27 cameras.

"One of our major priorities is to have a camera installed at the Umina Beach Surf Club that can cover the carpark and surf club surrounds."

Mr Wales said that small business was "sick and tired" of constant petty crime and vandalism especially in the Umina Beach town centre and that the security cameras would be a welcome addition to the police crime fighting efforts.

"While the cameras will record 24/7, we hope that council will have them manned on Friday and Saturday nights so that response times to incidents from the police can be improved," Mr Wales said.

"Regardless, the police will now have a valuable tool to apprehend underage drinkers, vandals and those who participate in anti-social behaviour.

"The business community recognises that the cameras on their own won't solve the crime problem, but at least the police will be able to use video footage to pursue those who don't obey the law."

Press release, 2 Jun 2008 Matthew Wales, Peninsula Chamber of Commerce