Security cameras will soon be covering Warrnambool's Cannon Hill precinct after the city council was granted more than $130,000 to boost community safety.
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Warrnambool police Senior Sergeant Tania Barbary welcomed the state government funding, which adds to the city's current 23-camera CCTV system, now covering parts of the central business district, the foreshore and railway station.
"This is great news and police are excited about any initiative that increases safety in our community," she said.
"It gives police members the opportunity to monitor situations in real time.
"These cameras are not only an investigative tool, but as an incident arises we have members monitoring a situation live and they can feed vital information to our first responders, ensuring public and member safety," she said.
The camera footage has also proved to be a ground-breaking investigative tool, in both identifying offenders and showing exactly how incidents unfold.
The latest cameras will be installed at Cannon Hill and cover the nearby war memorial area. The war memorial replica rifle has either been removed or destroyed by vandals at least 10 times during the past two decades, costing the RSL branch thousands in repair fees.
There have also been incidents of hoon driving in the Cannon Hill area.
Mayor Tony Herbert said the security camera grant was good news.
"The funding allows for the installation of two CCTV cameras at Cannon Hill," he said.
"They will discourage hoon drivers and create a safer environment for other motorists and people walking around the precinct including those visiting the RSL and the war memorials.
"There'll also be new lighting installed at Cannon Hill and along the walking path from Cannon Hill to Pertobe Road.
"Cannon Hill is a special place in Warrnambool, very popular with residents and visitors, and this project will enhance the amenity of the area and help create a safer environment for everyone.
"We acknowledge and thank the Victorian Government for supporting our funding application."
Member for Western Victoria Gayle Tierney on Tuesday announced the funding.
She said it would be good for Warrnambool's War Memorial precinct, address vandalism and hoon driving behaviour and improve public perceptions of safety.
Read more:
- Warrnambool's new surveillance cameras proving their worth
- Security cameras catch man making dodgy report to police
- Police reviewing security camera footage after heist nets cash
- Vandals damage Warrnambool war memorial statue
- Man owns up to Warrnambool RSL rifle theft
- Warrnambool man damages city's war memorial, punches three men in face
Ms Tierney said the funding was a significant boost.
"The Artillery Crescent project will combat unwanted and antisocial behaviour and give residents the confidence to engage and enjoy their community," she said.
"These improvements will also help boost the local economy by making the space a more desirable and enticing place to visit.
"The Andrews Labor Government is proud to be partnering with Warrnambool City Council to help increase public safety in Warrnambool."
The Public Safety Infrastructure Fund grants program aims to build community safety and confidence through the development of public safety and security infrastructure.
The funding announcement reflects the government's commitment to supporting local councils, with grants going towards improved lighting, upgrades to CCTV, landscaping and streetscape works, as well as urban design projects that will improve perceptions of safety.
The grants are part of the Andrews Government's $25 million investment in its Community Crime Prevention Program, aimed at tackling crime and its root causes. This builds on the $19.4 million invested in the program in 2016-17.
Since July 2015, the government has provided more than $13.6 million in PSIF grants to help support 88 infrastructure projects across Victoria.
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