Increase in Crime Triggers Proposal for CCTV in the Moorabool Shire

The Moorabool Shire Council has introduced a draft policy for the implementation of CCTV in the local area, and are currently awaiting community feedback about the proposed plan.

Rod Ward, Mayor of the Moorabool Shire, said he is glad that this long-awaited proposal is finally being consulted.

“It’s been a work in progress for some time, as we are responding to feedback we’ve received from the community that such a policy was needed. When the results are provided, we will consider all of the feedback from our residents, and then we expect to be able to draft a final policy for implementation,” he said.

“If and when that is endorsed by council, is when the policy will be adopted and we will then be able to roll out CCTV across the Moorabool Shire.”

Mayor Ward also expressed encouragement to residents who are worried about the use of cameras in public spaces.

“I want to reassure those that are concerned about their privacy, that the decision to release recorded material to a council employee, a contractor, or police, is at discretion of the chief executive officer, as there are clear guidelines about when that information can be released. Privacy and information will be protected, unless laws have been broken, as there is a process for when footage can be accessed and by whom,” he said.

According to the Crime Statistics Agency, there has been a 7.1% increase in criminal offences within the past year in the Moorabool Shire.

These offences primarily include vandalism, youth crime and public destruction of property, particularly in regions such as Bacchus Marsh and Maddingley.

Tonia Dudzik, councillor of the Moorabool Shire, said that the implementation of CCTV should have a positive effect on the community.

“It’s much needed in Moorabool, as people have been asking for it for many years due to the amount of graffiti and damage that’s being caused. I have heard from a number of people in the area who can’t wait for it to be implemented. It actually helps make the community safer, and to improve things for residents,” Dudzik said.

“It will only be implemented in key areas where we know that we have problems, so hopefully it will stop or prevent damage and crime. I believe it will be here to stay.”

The Moorabool Shire Council will be reviewing feedback from residents in the coming weeks.