The committee met in the council chambers on Monday morning to discuss the allocation of $100,000 of Federal Government funds for the installation of closed circuit TV security cameras in central Forbes.

The funds were part of almost half a million dollars granted to Forbes Shire in April under the Rudd Government’s Regional and Local Community Infrastructure Program. Council received another $193,000 under the same program late last month.

Business owner and community representative on the CCTV focus committee, Marg Duggan, said the $100,000 would provide between 14 and 18 static cameras for the central business district.

The committee has drawn up a speculative plan and is now seeking quotes from about 3-4 security camera suppliers.

These costings are expected back before the end of July and a decision will be made on August 3.

Mrs Duggan said the committee, chaired by Councillor Chris Roylance, considered information from Lachlan Police, including Area Commander, Superintendent David Driver, and the command’s intelligence unit.

She said Inspector Driver had spoken highly of similar CCTV projects in other commands he had worked in.

The cameras will almost certainly help police investigate incidents like vandalism and malicious damage, break and enter, assault and other anti-social crimes in and near Forbes shopping centre.

But they are also expected to have a deterrent effect.

“Once the cameras are up, they have proven to be a good deterrent,” Mrs Duggan said.

“Because our CBD is quite compact, we can get good coverage for the number of cameras we will be able to purchase,” she said.

Sergeant Adam Beard of Forbes Police said the local force welcomed the initiative and were pleased to play a role in decision-making.

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