Have Your Say

Delivering safer streets for Forbes

28 June 2016

Federal Member for Riverina Michael McCormack has today announced more than $13,000 from Round Two of the Coalition’s Safer Streets Programme to fund closed-circuit television (CCTV) in Forbes.

The Safer Streets Programme supports communities at the grass roots to help address crime and anti-social behaviour, and boost crime prevention initiatives to keep our streets safe.

Under this funding commitment, the Forbes Shire Council will receive $13,600 for the installation of two cameras at the Wiradjuri Dreaming Centre in Forbes.

Mr McCormack said the installation of the new cameras was a big win for the Forbes community.

“Mums and dads want to know their communities are safe and secure, so we’re investing significant money in this project in Forbes to ensure streets are made safer,” Mr McCormack said.

“These new cameras for Forbes will serve to bring down crime and anti-social behaviour in the town, meaning their residents can feel safer, particularly at night in these areas.

“Today’s funding announcement is another example of how The Nationals in Government are delivering on major commitments for Riverina and Central West communities.”

Forbes Shire Deputy Mayor Graeme Miller said he was pleased the funding had been announced for CCTV cameras to be installed at the Wiradjuri Dreaming Centre.

“The Forbes Wiradjuri Dreaming Centre Inc has done a great job with the development of the centre and unfortunately it has been the target of vandalism since it opened in 1996,” Deputy Mayor Miller said. 

“These cameras will deter this vandalism and we are very appreciative of this funding.”

Minister for Justice Michael Keenan said the funding is drawn from the Proceeds of Crime Account – that is money taken from criminals and reinvested into prevention of further crime.

“Only safe communities can be strong and prosperous, and the best way to tackle crime and anti-social behaviour is to prevent it from happening,” Mr Keenan said.

“The Coalition will continue to reinvest money confiscated from criminals and put them towards projects that make our streets and communities safer.

“I congratulate Michael McCormack for his ongoing lobbying efforts in Canberra to deliver for his communities back home, and to ensure this project became a reality for his constituents.”

In the first funding round, the Safer Streets Programme provided $19.5 million for specific projects for the installation of CCTV and lighting. This is the second round of funding which will be delivered in two streams.

The first stream will fund community safety infrastructure such as CCTV and lighting. CCTV is an effective crime prevention measure that provides significant deterrence to anti-social behaviour and is a valuable investigative tool. The second stream will deliver crime prevention initiatives by supporting the vital work of PCYC and Bluelight organisations.

Further information on the Safer Streets Programme is available at www.ag.gov.au

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