By VICTORIA STONE-MEADOWS
CASEY MP Tony Smith has promised funding for new CCTV cameras in five Yarra Ranges communities including Mount Evelyn and Monbulk.
Mr Smith made the announcement in Monbulk on Thursday 9 June, where he met with members of the local community to discuss the election commitment.
If a Coalition Government is re-elected in July, Mr Smith has earmarked the Monbulk Business Network and Mount Evelyn Chamber of Commerce to receive $75,000 each for the new cameras.
Lilydale police Crime Prevention Officer Leading Senior Constable Linda Hancock said the new cameras would tie into the other CCTV networks in the Yarra Ranges.
“The camera locations would all work as a network and link to each other to create a big picture of the ins and outs of the Yarra Ranges,” she said.
Mr Smith said he has been working closely with the communities of the Yarra Valley and Dandenong Ranges to identify locations in need of the cameras.
“I have had many conversations with the local residents and businesses in these communities about need for CCTV security cameras to combat increased crime in their communities,” he said.
The announcement follows a promise from the last federal election that has seen CCTV cameras installed in Lilydale, Healesville and Yarra Junction.
“Whether it’s theft, graffiti, assault or other serious incidents, the delivery of these CCTV security camera networks will ensure the local police can respond quickly and have the evidence required to bring these offenders to justice,” Mr Smith said.
John Coleman of the Monbulk Business Network welcomed the announcement and said CCTV cameras would ensure the safety of residents and businesses in Monbulk.
“It is about keeping our community strong and safe and ensuring business confidence,” he said.
“We are always interested in attracting new businesses to our town and that means keeping our town really safe.”
Mr Smith also announced funding for CCTV cameras in Yarra Glen and Woori Yallock as part of his election commitment.
The funding would be allocated as part of the Coalition Government’s Safer Communities Fund which builds on the foundations of the Safer Streets Programme and the Schools Security Programme.
Minister for Justice Michael Keenan said in a written statement that the Coalition Government is planning to continue to address crime prevention in local communities.
“The Coalition has now committed more than $100 million purely to assist local communities in delivering strategies to address crime and anti-social behaviour,” he said.
“We will continue to put funds towards projects that make our streets, communities and our nation safer.”
