CCTV cameras to boost community safety in Gympie

Community safety in Gympie will receive a boost, with Federal Member for Wide Bay and Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives Llew O’Brien announcing $500,000 to deliver more than 100 CCTV cameras.

The cameras will be installed at strategic locations including parks, sewerage treatment plants, public car parks, the Town Hall and Gympie’s Civic Centre to provide additional security to key buildings and community infrastructure.

“During my former career with the Queensland Police Service, I saw how essential CCTV cameras are to both solving crimes and acting as a deterrent to antisocial and criminal behaviour,” Mr O’Brien said.

“The presence of cameras means potential offenders will think twice about breaking the law or damaging property, and helps the community remain safe, providing an extra layer of security for businesses, residents and properties.

“Whether people are going about their daily business, taking the kids to the park, or going out, the new CCTV cameras provide an extra layer of security to protect them and their property.”

The funding was provided as part of its $2.5 billion Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program, which is supporting local jobs, businesses and boosting the economy during COVID-19.

“Community safety and security is critically important and it plays a role in economic growth because a safe, happy community is a prosperous community – so this funding will help build community resilience, support local jobs and help make Gympie even more vibrant with a stronger local economy,” Mr O’Brien said.

Gympie Mayor Glen Hartwig said the CCTV network upgrades will provide a variety of benefits, not only to Gympie Regional Council but residents as well.

“The upgrades to our CCTV network will provide a new level of safety to residents and ou public facilities,” Mayor Hartwig said.

“I would like to thank the Federal Government for funding this project, without their we would not be able to undertake these essential upgrades.”

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Barnaby Joyce said over 5,800 projects have already been approved under the program with around $835 million paid to councils across Australia.

“This funding will result in some much-wanted facilities and infrastructure in our community, which will have flow-on effects for local companies and suppliers,” the Deputy Prime Minister said. 

“We know how important our support is to communities who have faced the combined effects of drought, bushfires and COVID-19, which is why the construction of new infrastructure will help support the community recover from their economic hardships.

“These projects are driving new money back into the local economy in the Gympie region and creating jobs at a time when we need it most – it’s a real win-win.”

In June 2021, the Federal Liberal and Nationals Government also pre-paid $1.3 billion of this year’s Financial Assistance Grant to provide untied funding for all local councils across Australia to spend on local priorities.

More information on the Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program is available at investment.infrastructure.gov.au/infrastructure_investment/local-roads-community-infrastructure-program.