MP calls for CCTV in city CBD in a bid to curb crime

THERE are renewed calls for CCTV cameras in Mt Druitt to help stamp out crime, with the issue back in the spotlight in State Parliament.

There’s been a renewed call for CCTV in the Mt Druitt CBD.

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THERE are renewed calls for CCTV cameras in Mt Druitt to help stamp out crime, with the issue back in the spotlight in State Parliament.

Mt Druitt state Labor MP Edmond Atalla recently put the issue back on the table.

On September 13 he issued in State Parliament a question on notice, asking the Attorney General whether the State Government would work with the local government and provide funding. An answer is expected this week.

CCTV is used as a “safety tool” in crime hot spots.

Mr Atalla said CCTV cameras were essential in Mt Druitt to stop criminals in their tracks while helping police “identify perpetrators and bring them to justice”.

The former Blacktown councillor said there was an ongoing debate as to which tier of government would cover the cost if CCTV.

“Both have a vested interest,” Mr Atalla said.

“The State Government obviously wants to protect their assets, like the railway station and any of their venues, and it’s the council’s CBD and shopping centres.

“And again, the council is saying commercial people in the CBD should be paying.”

The purpose of the question on notice was also to address future concerns, such as who would monitor and maintain the cost of the CBD hot spot’s cameras.

Mr Atalla said his determination to see CCTV installed skyrocketed following a briefing with Mt Druitt police last year.

“I was astonished at the minute detail they could get that helps them solve a particular crime,” he said.

The CCTV control room at Perth station.

Mt Druitt’s crime manager David Goddard reiterated the urgent need for CCTV in the centre of the suburb.

“It’s a no-brainer, it should be throughout that area,” Inspector Goddard said.

Dubbing the cameras a safety tool, he said the matter came down to “crime and the safety of people in Dawson Mall and surrounds”.

“It is an area where crime is committed and, if you look at the CCTV footage at railway stations, it’s first-class,” Inspector Goddard said.

“I don’t expect a camera on every street ... (but) there’s a need for decent coverage of the CBD.”

He said Blacktown Council was “on board” with the need for cameras.

A spokesman confirmed the council was investigating the cost of CCTV in Blacktown and Mt Druitt.

Fairfield installed CCTV in 2015.

“According to quotations received last year, the cost of installation alone could range from $920,000 to $2.3 million, depending on the system,” he said.

“Based on the experience of other councils, it will be a major undertaking and needs to be fully examined and debated by council before a decision can be made.”

Liverpool, Fairfield and Parramatta Councils had CCTV systems set up in the past two years.

Parramatta’s cost $3 million for 80 cameras and the Federal Government footed $1 million of the bill.