CCTV boost pledged for Pakington Street

GEELONG West’s Pakington Street will receive a CCTV upgrade to deter crime and boost community safety if the Coalition is elected on May 3.

Liberal candidate for Corio Darren Buller joined Victorian Liberal Senator Sarah Henderson, City of Greater Geelong mayor Cr Stretch Kontelj and several local traders in Pakington Street on Monday to announce the $40,000 investment for the well-regarded shopping hotspot.

The commitment will be used to fund nine CCTV cameras and will be delivered under a restored Safer Communities Fund, a former crime prevention grant program initiated by the Morrison Liberal Government.

Mr Buller said the election pledge had been made in direct response to concerns raised by local residents and Pakington Street traders about a recent increase in antisocial behaviour and crime in the area.

“Following a community safety forum, the Liberals are responding quickly with practical measures to ensure that working and shopping in Pako is safer for everyone,” he said.

Senator Henderson said the CCTV upgrade was aimed at ensuring the Pakington Street shopping precinct continues to go from strength to strength.

“After meeting with local traders, I thank mayor Stretch Kontelj and Council for ensuring community safety across our community is a high priority,” she said.

“Pakington Street in Geelong West is home to many wonderful shops, cafes and other businesses and these CCTV cameras will ensure Pako continues to be a great place to shop, work and dine out.”

She said that if elected, a Dutton Liberal Government would partner with the City of Greater Geelong to deliver the CCTV upgrades.

Opposition spokesperson on Home Affairs and Cyber Security Senator James Paterson said that under a Dutton Liberal Government, the Geelong West community would be stronger, more secure and better supported to tackle crime.

“Getting Australia back on track means keeping Australia safe – safe for families, safe for businesses and safe for communities,” he said.

“Projects delivered under the Safer Communities Fund will help protect local communities by ensuring they have appropriate security infrastructure in place, such as CCTV cameras, alarm systems and security lighting.”