Input wanted in CCTV committee

CLOSED-circuit television cameras could be installed as a security measure in public areas of the municipality.

Now the Shire is encouraging its residents and business owners to join an upcoming CCTV steering committee.

Working alongside a community safety coordinator, Victoria Police and councillors, two volunteers would be part of a group that helps establish whether CCTV might be appropriate technology to boost locals’ confidence and safety, while improving the process of criminal prosecution.

Golden Plains Shire mayor Cr Helena Kirby said “anti-social behaviour and vandalism” is an issue many in the community are concerned about.

“The new steering committee will investigate CCTV as an option to address this community safety issue,” she said.

“This diverse group of local representatives will make a valuable contribution to the development of a new CCTV Policy for Golden Plains Shire.

“A CCTV Policy will guide council’s future direction on CCTV and make it possible for council to invest in new safety technology for public places, and seek funding to support community safety initiatives in our Shire.”

Following criminal and anti-social behaviour, Victoria Police and community members asked for the public technology at the end of last year, specifically for the Bannockburn Heart precinct, and this inspired the policy’s creation.

“Council and the CCTV steering committee will consider crime-related issues in the Shire based on data and current crime prevention initiatives, discuss whether CCTV would be useful in addressing any identified problems, and if so, what sort of system is required,” a Shire spokesperson said.

“The policy will reflect the role of local government and ensure council meets its legal and regulatory obligations, balancing an individual’s rights to feel safe and be safe in public spaces with an individual’s right to privacy.”

If you would like to express interest in volunteering on the CCTV steering committee, visit goldenplains.vic.gov.au/consultations, or pick up a form at Shire customer service facilities in Bannockburn and Smythesdale.

Hand-deliver your form to council, email it to [email protected], or post it to Golden Plains Shire Council, PO Box 111, Bannockburn, Victoria, 3331 marked, ‘attention coordinator community safety.’

Expressions of interest close on Thursday, 26 August at 5pm.