$300k boost to CBD safety

Federal funding of more than $300,000 for new CCTV cameras in the Manjimup town centre is aimed at improving community safety and reducing anti-social behaviour.

The $307,000 grant has been made available as part of round two of the Federal Government’s Safer Communities Fund and complements the council’s Manjimup Town Centre Safety Enhancement Project.

Manjimup shire president Paul Omodei said he was “extremely pleased” with the successful grant application.

“Improvements to safety and the reduction of crime is a genuine concern for the shire,” he said.

“These new cameras will transmit high quality, real-time images to the Manjimup Police Station and could be useful as evidence in incidents.”

As a result of the funding, 13 non State-compliant cameras in the CBD will be replaced to provide real time access to the Manjimup station.

Another 34 CCTV cameras, 33 solar light bollards and 28 overhead security lights throughout the Manjimup Timber and Heritage Park will also be installed.

Two control points to allow easy emergency services access to the park will also be installed, which will also control non-authorised access into the park.

A Manjimup police spokesman said the cameras and associated technology would help improve safety.

“It is an important crime deterrent that will also help to deter anti-social behaviour at licensed premises in the CBD,” he said.

Manjimup shire chief executive officer Andrew Campbell said the funding would provide passive and active security measures in the CBD.

“By installing CCTV cameras with direct live feeds to the police station, the funding will allow us to ensure that the Coronation Park, Brockman Street and Manjimup Timber and Heritage Park precincts are safer places for people to enjoy,” he said.

O’Connor MHR Rick Wilson said Manjimup was the gateway to the Southern Forests tourism destination and had high visitation public parks and thriving business areas in the CBD.