Rutherford and Maitland will have to wait for CCTV security cameras if the federal government is to foot the bill.
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Maitland City Council is expected to apply for the second round of funding from the government’s $50 million Safer Streets Program, after confirmation they did not receive a share of round one money.
There has been confusion over whether money to install cameras in Maitland CBD and Rutherford shopping precinct would be forthcoming after a $186,340 pledge from Labor last year did not eventuate before the party lost government.
The Coalition introduced its Safer Streets Program to replace Labor’s National Crime Prevention Program.
A spate of youth vandalism and antisocial behaviour had Rutherford traders on edge earlier this year, with many calling for better security measures.
Sue’s Boutique On The Mall manager Marilyn Vidler said there had been fewer problems in recent weeks.
But she said CCTV cameras would be useful to stop similar incidents.
“We used to come in on weekends and there would be graffiti,” Ms Vidler said. “We haven’t had problems for weeks now, but we definitely still need it [CCTV].”
Breezes Cafe owner Michelle Ycas said CCTV cameras would be a useful deterrent for trouble makers and would help put customers’ minds at ease.
Cr Henry Meskauskas said it was disappointing that council had to wait for the second round of funding.
“At the moment it’s pretty quiet up there, but CCTV is warranted, especially in the late afternoons and on the weekends,” he said.
“It will deter people from loitering in the area and doing things that they shouldn’t be doing, like having parties and burning bins.
“At least it will show that them somebody is watching them.”
In a letter to Paterson MP Bob Baldwin, made public on the council website, Justice Minister Michael Keenan confirmed the first stage of Safer Streets Program grants had been allocated.
“Funding for the first year of this program has already been allocated via commitments announced prior to and during the election campaign,” Mr Keenan wrote.
“A second round of funding under the programme is currently being considered and I anticipate that arrangements for round two will be finalised later in the 2014-15 financial year.”