Yes for CCTV Cameras, no for street drinking prevention

Ballina Shire Council has voted to go ahead with installing CCTV security cameras in Ballina and Lennox CBDs, however the majority weren’t prepared to accept police advice to extend no-alcohol consumption zones to combat public drunkenness.

Council is hopeful the Federal Government can be persuaded via MP for Richmond Justine Elliot to cover the costs for the crime prevention cameras.  Greens MP Tamara Smith has so far indicated she is unable to deliver on her election commitment to obtain state funding.  Set up costs are quoted at $870,000 and a further $40,000 would be required for annual maintenance and support.

Councillors voted 7-3 to have the so-called Alcohol Free Zone signage removed, with a staff report suggesting they had achieved their desired objective of reducing anti-social behaviour since they were first introduced in 2007.

However Mayor Cadwallader said local police were still in favour of the zones being renewed as street drinking was still a problem and the signs gave officers the powers to effectively respond to complaints from the public.

Deputy Mayor and retired policeman Cr Damian Loone also supported the signs being renewed as did Cr Simon Kinny, however other councillors supported the staff recommendation that the signs be removed.