No. 7

HUGE EXPANSION OF CANBERRA’S CCTV NETWORK

Closed Circuit Television cameras will be placed on all ACTION buses and in Canberra’s transport hubs and major public venues as part of the 2006-07 Budget’s focus on community safety, Chief Minister and Treasurer Jon Stanhope said today.

A total of $2.596 million has been allocated over four years for three Closed Circuit Television Camera (CCTV) initiatives, meeting key recommendations of a report into the ACT’s CCTV capability commissioned by the ACT Government.  These initiatives complement the $28.7 million allocated to provide an additional 60 police officers for the ACT.

“All new ACTION buses already come fitted with CCTV cameras, and there are about 50 of those in circulation at the moment.  However, in order to increase safety and security across the entire ACTION fleet, about 340 buses will be retrofitted with the technology,” Mr Stanhope said.

“This comes at a cost of $1.444 million, with an additional $50,000 allocated each year for ongoing maintenance.”

Mr Stanhope said security at ACTION depots would also be increased, with $272,000 allocated to install or upgrade boom-gates and fencing.

“In addition to the cameras to be placed on all ACTION buses, the ACT Government will place 15 new CCTV cameras at the Jolimont Centre, Canberra Stadium, Manuka Oval and EPIC,” he said.

“These new cameras will be in addition to the 15 CCTV cameras already in place in Civic.”

Mr Stanhope said $95,000was provided in the 2006-07 Budget to establish a dedicated facility in the Winchester Police Centre for the 30 CCTV cameras.

“The CCTV Report found that the existing CCTV operations at the City Police Station did not make the most effective use of the system.  With the expansion of the CCTV network, responsibility for the cameras will be moved to a dedicated facility in the ACT Policing headquarters,” he said.

“The maintenance contract will also be significantly expanded to ensure that all 30 fixed cameras will be carefully maintained.  The new contract will ensure that failures and faults are rectified 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year.

“The expansion of our CCTV network will fill significant gaps in our existing coverage.  Thirty fixed cameras and almost 400 on ACTION buses will make a tremendous contribution to safety and security in public places.”