Councils to zoom in on crime

The Newman Government is focusing on public safety and security by funding a major expansion to closed circuit camera networks in several Queensland towns and cities.

Local Government Minister David Crisafulli said nine councils, including Brisbane, Logan, the Gold Coast and Moreton Bay would share in nearly $1.5 million to increase CCTV coverage in known crime hot spots.

“It doesn’t matter whether you’re out in Fortitude Valley, dining in Surfers Paradise, or walking in a park in Logan, we all deserve to feel safe when we’re out and about,” Mr Crisafulli said.

“Queenslanders love a good time and value our public infrastructure, and we are working closely with councils and police to crack down on assaults and vandalism to make sure our lifestyle isn’t trashed by mindless hoodlums.”

Brisbane City Council received $350,000 from the Newman Government towards the Council’s $900,000 upgrade of CBD and Fortitude Valley’s CCTV cameras.

Brisbane Lord Mayor Graham Quirk said this would include upgrading the 64 existing cameras in the CBD and Fortitude Valley to a more reliable digital technology and installing additional cameras at a further seven Valley hotspots.

Cr Quirk thanked the Newman Government for the grant, which he said was another example of how the two levels of government were working together to create a safer city and state.

“Brisbane has a reputation as a safe and friendly city at home and abroad and I am dedicated to working with the Newman Government to ensure that continues through important initiatives such as this,” Cr Quirk said.

“A safe city is also essential to boosting economic development opportunities and these improved CCTV cameras send a clear message that anti-social behaviour is not tolerated in Brisbane.

“This is particularly a win for businesses in our premier shopping and entertainment precincts and will go hand-in-hand with other council initiatives such as our multi-million dollar upgrade of the Valley Mall and graffiti and litter crackdowns.”

Cr Quirk said Brisbane City Council had consulted the Queensland Police, Valley Economic Development Board and Queen Street Mall Advisory Board about its plans to upgrade the CCTV network and all had lent their support.

On the Gold Coast, the council received $215,862 to help purchase and install 20 new cameras in entertainment precincts at Surfers Paradise, Broadbeach, Southport and Coolangatta.       

Logan City Council received $134,272 for five extra cameras to deter crime in areas of Logan and Woodridge.

Moreton Bay Regional Council received $100,000 to help upgrade its CCTV control room and install cameras at Dickson Park, Morayfield and the Caboolture Region Environmental Education Centre at Burpengary.

Security camera systems will also be expanded in five regional areas with $450,000 going to Palm Island Aboriginal Shire Council, $80,000 to Fraser Coast Regional Council, $58,000 to Southern Downs Regional Council, $26,000 to Somerset Regional Council and $25,760 to Toowoomba Regional Council.

“Councils are getting better by the day at preventing crime by identifying areas that need closer scrutiny,” Mr Crisafulli said.

“The only people that should be worried are those who set out to assault or intimidate others or damage public property that we all end up paying for.”

[ENDS] 21 July 2013

Media Contact: Andrew Longmire 0418 216 627