More CCTV for Onslow hotspots

Onslow’s CCTV network has been expanded to improve coverage of hotspots for antisocial behaviour in town with funding assistance from a community safety grant.

The Shire of Ashburton received $12,750 for three new cameras as one of 14 regional WA communities to be awarded under round two of the Federal Government’s $40 million Safer Communities Fund, announced last week.

Shire president Kerry White said the extra cameras had already been installed in several areas of towns identified as needing more surveillance because of ongoing crime and antisocial behaviour.

“Cameras (were) already in place at the Onslow Aquatic Centre, Shire complex, multipurpose courts and the multipurpose centre, and the Shire, the police and locals wanted to see additional coverage for other key areas in town,” she said.

“Three additional CCTV cameras were installed at the water spray park, community garden and BHP Fishbowl skatepark.

“With surveillance coverage now installed at each of the major amenities in town, these popular facilities can continue to be enjoyed by the community without disruption due to theft and damage.”

Durack MHR Melissa Price said the grants would improve safety in regional towns that could be vulnerable to crime and antisocial behaviour.

“We all know that alcohol-related violence and crime, domestic and family violence and other crimes are especially prevalent in regional communities, and is often a topic that isn’t discussed,” she said.

“However, I believe it is imperative the government is doing all it can to improve community safety with tried and tested methods, like flood lighting public spaces, rolling out CCTV cameras, and installing security lighting to public buildings.”