CALLS by residents for closed-circuit TV cameras to be installed in Rathmines Park to deter vandals and anti-social behaviour might be seriously considered after all.
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The state government is encouraging Lake Macquarie communities to apply for funding for projects to help deter crime and boost community safety.
CCTV cameras are among the projects eligible for the funding.
Parliamentary Secretary for the Hunter, Scot MacDonald, said local non-government and not-for-profit community groups, councils, businesses and organisations were invited to apply for a grant of up to $250,000.
“The Community Safety Fund invests in local projects that address local crime hot spots and promotes safe and inclusive use of public space,” Mr MacDonald said.
“I have heard from many people in our community who have innovative ideas of how to make our community a safer place and I encourage them to take up this funding opportunity.”
Residents of Rathmines have been calling on authorities to do more to stop the vandalism and anti-social behaviour in the park.
As the Lakes Mail went to press today (Wednesday), Rathmines Area Sustainability Group hosted a public meeting to discuss possible solutions to the town’s problem.
Residents have pitched a number of possible solutions including CCTV, lockable gates, and increased police patrols at night.
Among the infrastructure projects eligible for funding are CCTV, signage, lighting, gates and measures that “activate public spaces”.
Any application to fund CCTV in the park would need the support of council and police to succeed.
Mr MacDonald stopped short of endorsing the CCTV proposal.
“I encourage the Rathmines Area Sustainability Group to meet with their Police Local Area Command and agree on the most worthwhile project to put forward in a grant application to the NSW government’s Community Safety Fund,” he said.
