MURGON in Queensland has won a grant of $A369,000 for the installation of a Hikvision video surveillance solution comprising more than 50 cameras supported by a wireless backbone.
The Murgon Business and Development Association in co-operation with the Murgon Qld Police and South Burnett Council will oversee the installation of an IP HD video surveillance solution which will support a 50-plus camera, analytic-capable CCTV solution.
The system will consist of Hikvision's ANPR license plate recognition cameras, infra-red, low light fixed cameras, PTZ with extended zoom capabilities, PanoVu 180-degree low light cameras and PTZ thermal camera technology with 30-day retention.
The project is funded by the Federal Government’s Safer Communities Fund which assists local communities address crime and anti-social behaviour, which supports crime prevention initiatives using money recovered from criminals.
Security consultant Douglas Grant, who designed the solution and will project manage the installation over an 8-week period, said the new cameras will be capable of scanning the licence plates of vehicles passing through Murgon.
Videos shot by the cameras will be transmitted to Murgon Police Station but will also be capable of being transmitted to other locations too, such as smart phones and tablets.
Murgon police officers will be able to use CCTV footage as evidence of offences, and to help track down offenders.
Member for Wide Bay Llew O'Brien met with representatives from the MBDA, the South Burnett Regional Council, Murgon Police, Murgon RSL, the Murgon Men’s Shed and other community groups at the town’s Visitor Information Centre to confirm the project will be going ahead during the week.
“As a former police officer, I know that CCTV and security lighting has been a pivotal factor in both solving crimes and preventing crimes and anti-social behaviour,” O’Brien said.
“The presence of CCTV cameras acts as a deterrent to those who are considering breaking the law. Potential offenders will think twice about possible criminal activity if their chances of being caught on camera are high.”
O’Brien said the presence of CCTV cameras and better lighting also helped people feel safer and more secure in their neighbourhoods.
“Whether people are going about their business, shopping, out to dinner with friends or enjoying a night out, CCTV cameras provide an additional layer of security to help protect businesses, residents and their property,” he said.
Senior Sergeant Lance Guteridge of Murgon Police said the new cameras would be a valuable addition to but not a replacement for normal policing practices in the town. ♦
