• Williamstown, Altona, Laverton Star

By Alesha Capone

9th February 2010 11:05:28 AM

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INSTALLING CCTV cameras in public safety hotspots across Altona and Williamstown will be considered by Hobsons Bay City Council next month.

The council’s works and assets director Phillip McDonald said the council was preparing a report on community safety for the Altona and Williamstown beaches and the Altona Shopping Centre, which will be formally considered at a meeting of the council in March.

“This will include the possible use of CCTV cameras. The council has held discussions with local police and Altona traders regarding the costs and benefits of using the cameras for community safety and security,” he said.

He said the cameras were not proposed for enforcement purposes, but to increase security.

The Altona Traders Association and Williamstown Chamber of Commerce (WCC) supported the CCTV idea.

Tom Napoli from the WCC said the proposal sounded like “a good thing in terms of public safety.”

Cr Tony Briffa said although he supported the use of CCTV, “it is an expensive option that should not be burdened on ratepayers alone.

“As the State Government are responsible for policing I expect they will also be asked to contribute,” he said.

The Liberal Party candidate for the Altona by-election Mark Rose said he would need to see the council report before he committed to asking for funding for the CCTV cameras if he was elected, but he thought anything which could make the Hobsons Bay area safer would be beneficial.

“It’ll deter crime because people will know they’re being watched,” he said. As a police officer, Mr Rose also said the CCTV tapes could possibly help solve crimes.

Greens candidate David Strangward said he would offer “cautious endorsement” for the camera proposal, if it could be shown to improve safety.

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