CCTV in Ballina will increase safety for women, says local MP

2023-02-06

CCTV in Ballina will increase safety for women, says local MP Tamara Smith MP, Member for Ballina announced today that she will deliver more CCTV cameras in the Ballina CBD if re-elected in March.

"With a 4th homicide in Ballina in as many years, unfortunately the town now qualifies as a hotspot for crime. There is a very real need to improve public safety and the time has come to implement a camera program like Byron Shire Council did across Byron township in 2015." Said Ms Smith "Ballina police and successive Richmond Area Commanders have raised with me every year since I was elected the need for a comprehensive CCTV program across the Ballina CBD."

"My office has received a large number of complaints from people feeling unsafe when they are in the centre of Ballina in the evening - especially from women," Ms Smith said.

"Ballina Shire Council approved the installation of a number of cameras in the town's CBD some time ago as part of the Smart Cities program following growing public concern about an increase in criminal activity at night. Today I am committing to deliver the money for council to develop and implement a wholistic plan in consultation with police, as well as improved lighting in key areas."

"Of course, checks and balances need to be in place, and I would not support any program that impinges on people's civil liberties or privacy. Byron Shire Council has an excellent Code of Practice and recorded images are only used or disclosed for lawful purposes. I am confident that a similar code would protect our citizenry in Ballina Shire."

"Our community has come out in strong support of providing greater safety for women, and I believe that this program will go some way towards delivering that. More broadly we want everyone - young people, our families, older folk, and our visitors to feel 100% safe to enjoy Ballina."

Ms Smith thanked Ballina Police Inspector Bill McKenna and officers of the Richmond Command for raising the issue of safety for women and advocating for measures to protect vulnerable members of the community.

"I wish we weren't at this point, but it is time and I believe a program of CCTV cameras across the CBD will go some way to making the town a less intimidating place to visit at night, and that Ballina's businesses, community and nightlife will all benefit as a result."

Media contact for Tamara Smith MP - 0427 664 696