A RENEWED funding bid for closed circuit security cameras in Warrnambool is likely to be made later this year.
The city council revealed this week it made an earlier application in conjunction with Victoria Police for $245,000, but that bid was rejected by the Department of Justice which approved only 24 of 100 requests from around the state.
Security cameras have been a hotly debated issue around the council table and community in recent years after CBD street crimes and vandalism.
There were some calls for the council to finance the technology itself.
Vandalising of the war memorial soldier’s statue earlier this month again highlighted the lack of surveillance equipment.
“Council and Victoria Police have been working jointly to develop a proposed CCTV camera project in the CBD,” city council communications manager Kim Sweetnam said.
She said a joint funding bid was submitted to the department last October and a reply was received in April indicating the bid was unsuccessful, with an overwhelming number of applications.
Funding was allocated to 18 projects for improving public places to reduce crime and anti-social behaviour, but only six CCTV systems were funded.
“Our application stated that CCTV cameras would be strategically located in crime “hotspots” as identified by Warrnambool Police,” Ms Sweetnam said.
“The actual number of cameras installed and precise locations will be the maximum number that the project budget allows and based upon consultation with all relevant stakeholders.
“Cameras would be monitored by police.
“The department did advise council that it would be eligible to submit another application to round two of the program which is expected some time in 2012-13.
“If this is the case, the council and Warrnambool Police intend to submit another application.”