Chamber backs Coalition commitment

Liberal candidate for Robertson Ms Lucy Wicks has pledged an extra $200,000 towards the upgrade of the Peninsula CCTV camera network.

Peninsula Chamber of Commerce president Mr Matthew Wales said the existing CCTV network in the Umina Beach, Woy Woy and Ettalong Beach town centres had been highly successful and resulted in significant drops in anti-social behaviour, graffiti and petty theft.

"The announcement by Liberal candidate Lucy Wicks for an additional $200,000 to augment and upgrade the existing system is welcome news and will give the local police force additional resources to make our town centres safer," said Mr Wales.

"The funding allocation is part of the Coalition's Safer Streets Plan which seeks to involve Peninsula residents, shop owners, police, state and local governments in identifying local projects to make our streets safer.

"There is no doubt that the CCTV network has contributed in a positive way to the resurgence of our town centres where locals and visitors feel safer and look forward to do their shopping.

"Extra cameras and the upgrading of the existing cameras with high tech, high resolution equipment will further reinforce peoples' view that our towns are safe.

"This, of course, does not replace the need for on the street policing and it is great to see the Brisbane Water Commander, Daniel Sullivan, working closely with the Peninsula Chamber and local businesses to improve safety, reduce crime and increase intelligence gathering.

"It is important that business and government continue to work together to improve services to our towns and to ensure that we remain innovative.

"That's why we back the Coalition commitment to CCTV cameras as the funds will ensure that the existing system is upgraded to meet today's challenges," said Mr Wales.

Media release, 25 Aug 2013

Matthew Wales, Peninsula Chamber of Commerce