New CCTV boosts safety for the Tweed

TWEED Shire Council will install five new CCTV cameras in the region to improve community security in the shire.

The cameras will assist the Council and local law enforcement in large-scale public events and daily incidences at several sites, including Jack Evans Boat Harbour at Tweed Heads and the surrounding CBD area.

The first two remote cameras went live at Jack Evans Boat Harbour just before Christmas, a known hot spot for anti-social behaviour, near the Boundary Street and Bay Street parking lots.

Mayor of Tweed Shire Chris Cherry said the Council was grateful to the NSW Government’s engagement on the issue and funding for the new cameras.

“With the help of both state and federal governments, Council has invested a lot in making Jack Evans Boat Harbour a jewel in the crown of Tweed,” Cr Cherry said.

“With the all-abilities and youth play spaces, safer swim access and loads of shade and picnic structures so people can really enjoy the harbour, we want them to feel safe while they do this, and these new cameras will go a long way towards ensuring that.

“We will also continue to work with NSW Police to take steps to discourage anti-social behaviour across the area,” she said.

The NSW Government funded $270,000 towards the cameras as an election commitment following a Tweed Heads CBD security audit last September.

The review, which included representatives from Tweed Council, business and tourism operators and the Tweed Byron Local Police District, resulted in the top recommendation of boosting CCTV surveillance in the area to help police combat ongoing issues.

Solar technology allows the new mobile units to be moved to other locations as required.

NSW Government spokesperson for the North Coast Emily Suvaal MLC said she understood the local community’s concern about rising crime rates.

“The Minns Labor Government is committed to providing crucial funding to purchase additional CCTV cameras,” Suvaal said.

“These additional CCTV cameras will help our ongoing efforts to keep our community safe and prevent further crime and anti-social behaviour.”