Thirty-five Western Australian local governments will receive a share of nearly $1 million in funding to install or upgrade CCTV cameras, aiming to reduce crime and antisocial behaviour across the state.
Funding Allocation and High-Risk Areas
Local governments collaborated with WA Police to identify high-risk areas where enhanced camera coverage was necessary. The funding will support new installations and upgrades to existing CCTV networks. Metropolitan councils benefiting include the Towns of Victoria Park and Bassendean, and the cities of Armadale, Bayswater, Gosnells, and Mandurah. Regional recipients encompass the cities and shires of Albany, Bunbury, Esperance, Northam, York, Harvey, Denmark, and Margaret River, among others.
Ministerial Statement on Community Safety
Local Government Minister Hannah Beazley emphasized the grants' role in addressing community safety concerns. "The Cook Labor Government has funded CCTV projects which will target neighbourhood crime and antisocial behaviour," she said. "We know that CCTV plays a crucial role in tackling crime and promotes safer public places for the community. Each council is committed to working with local police and this funding will help build on WA’s existing CCTV networks."
Complementary Crime Prevention Measures
The funding aims to complement existing crime prevention strategies and assist police investigations when incidents occur. It is part of a broader $22.5 million community safety election commitment designed to provide additional resources to combat criminal activity statewide. According to PerthNow, the grant program required local governments to contribute extra funding for associated infrastructure, such as establishing power supply and communication links.
