PARKES Shire Council will upgrade its central business district security network thanks to a $226,306 Safer Communities Fund grant secured by The Nationals’ Member for Riverina and Deputy Prime Minister, Michael McCormack.
Mr McCormack said the grant, in Round 2 of the Safer Communities Fund, would allow Council to install 17 new closed circuit television (CCTV) cameras and signs and upgrade 16 old analogue cameras.
The grant will also allow Council to erect nine solar security lights and purchase a portable CCTV system with seven cameras and removable bollards to integrate with its existing security system.
“Parkes is a safe and friendly community, but through this Liberal and Nationals’ program we are working with local communities such as Parkes to make the streets even safer,” Mr McCormack said.
The CCTV upgrade will be a deterrent to street crimes and anti-social behaviour and boost the ability of police to monitor and reduce this behaviour.
The president of the Parkes Chamber of Commerce, Geoff Rice, welcomed the grant.
He said the funding would expand the current CCTV system.
“Getting that amount of money will make it a terrific system,” Mr Rice said.
Mr McCormack said Round 2 of the Safer Communities Fund also included $39,450 for Bland Shire Council to mount CCTV cameras in West Wyalong’s Main Street.