CCTVs

COCKATOO traders and residents have called for the Cardinia Shire Council to reveal the locations of the town’s Closed Circuit Television, amid concerns they don’t exist.
Council officers have maintained the cameras are operating in Cockatoo but have refused to reveal their locations.
In September 2007, residents welcomed a move to install mobile CCTV cameras after the council received a $445,770 Federal Government grant for the project.
Residents were told the cameras would transmit footage to patrolling police cars, while police believed the cameras would help reduce the region’s graffiti, vandalism and criminal damage .
But Cockatoo resident Mick McKerr said it appeared there were no CCTV cameras operating in the township.
“They must think we are all stupid down here,” he said.
“If there are no cameras, where has the money gone?”
One trader, who didn’t want to be named, has questioned local police and the council on numerous occasions about the cameras.
“It’s frustrating because it’s been six years now and we are still waiting for the cameras.”
The Moody Cow Butcher’s BJ Gieseen also believes there were no cameras. La Trobe MP Jason Wood said he had spoken to Emerald Police and was told they knew nothing about the cameras.
“I will be writing to the council demanding to be personally shown where these cameras are,” he said. Mr Wood has also called for a meeting with the council next month to set the record straight.
“I will feel betrayed if it is the case that there are no cameras,” he said.
Mr Wood said Cockatoo had become a priority for CCTV cameras because of a rising fear and harassment among residents and traders.
Cardinia’s general manager of wellbeing Fiona Hodges maintains the cameras were in Cockatoo but didn’t give a location.
“Given the covert nature of the programme we are not in a position to comment on the exact time and locations of when the equipment is used,” Ms Hodges said.
Ms Hodges said there had been an 87 per cent reduction in graffiti in Cockatoo over the last 12 months. Ms Hodges said the funding for the cameras was being spent on its intended purpose and would be externally audited at the completion of the project in 2011. The Gazette contacted police but was unable to get a response before going to print.