Cash for CCTV cameras have been rejected by the council

The State Government has secured $18,000 for the installation of CCTV security cameras in Swansea, however the Lake Macquarie City Council staff are opposed to it saying they do not want the technology installed. The conflict has arisen after years of Swansea Residents and business complaining about the teenage thugs and vandals running riot in the town. A statement from Lake Macquarie Council said, “that CCTV would lead to a significant long-term financial commitment, which may divert funds from other areas where priority should be given. Council staff do not support the installation of CCTV at Swansea due to its ineffectiveness as a crime prevention measure and complex legal and privacy requirements,’’ a council statement said.

Garry Edwards, a Swansea MP, who secured the $18,000 from the government, said he was ‘‘utterly disgusted’’ with the decision make by the Lake Macquarie council. “The council resistance was hampering efforts to gain more state money for the project,” he said before adding, “We have irrefutable information from police that CCTV is effective. Council officers at Lake Macquarie seem to think they know more than the police and Parliament.’’

Councillor Barry Johnston said CCTV was ‘‘one of many tools that can be used for crime prevention.” He stated that he doesn’t have a problem with it, as long as it’s maintained and replaced if damaged. However the question of who was going to monitor and maintain the security camera system in Swansea is the main issue.

Jeff McCloy, Newcastle’s lord mayor supports the installation of CCTV cameras in Newcastle along with Prime Minister Tony Abbott promising $50million for CCTV cameras in communities. The value of security camera footage was seen in 2012 and gained national prominence when it helped find justice for the death of Melbourne ABC radio employee Jill Meagher. Sydney City Council is to triple the city’s CCTV coverage after the  death of teen Thomas Kelly at King Cross in July 2012.