Echuca Moama Camera Committee is leading the plan, which would see CCTV cameras installed in key areas of town.
The purpose of the cameras is to provide an extra layer of protection and feeling of safety for residents, visitors and business owners, with improved police monitoring and deterrence.
Inspector Dave Bowler said Campaspe police’s 2024 community sentiment survey indicated that many residents did not feel safe after dark, a situation he believed CCTV cameras could help.
“We’ve listened to our community,” he said.
“This is one tool that we can implement that is fairly cost-effective, that can have some really significant in-roads and improve people’s perception of safety.”
Echuca Moama Camera Committee has representation from C4EM, Echuca Police, local business owners and members of the community.
For Oberin Hospitality Group owner Dean Oberin, CCTV cameras have been a long-time coming for the area.
“We’re one of a few towns that haven’t got the CCTV coverage,” he said.
“C4EM has been working in conjunction with the local shire and the police, but in particular when (Inspector Dave Bowler) got involved and pushed it along and formed the Local Safety Committee.
“It’s coming now to the pinnacle of years of work, which is exciting.
“We’re nearly there, we’ve just got to finish it off.”
Inspector Bowler echoed Mr Oberin, highlighting that neighbouring areas such as Bendigo and Shepparton had CCTV camera coverage.
He also acknowledged the work of Rochester Business Network in leading the installation of cameras in Rochy in 2020.
“We’re one of the last local government areas to have CCTV cameras operating,” he said.
“A really big shoutout to the Rochester community, they saw fit to take this project on themselves and sought funding for their applications.
“We’re looking to mirror that on a bigger scale for our Echuca residents and businesses.”
Stage one would cover the Echuca CBD entertainment, retail and Port precincts, providing surveillance in the highest traffic and risk areas.
The stage one project design has planned for 54 cameras across key intersections and is planned to take eight months.
Critical to the project’s success is funding, with the committee in conversations with council but also looking for community support.
Businesses are encouraged to jump on board the initiative through donations, sponsorships and feedback.
“What I would really love is to see the community get behind the project,” Inspector Bowler said.
“Not only the community, but local businesses.
“We’re looking for financial support from businesses and large industries that are operating in Echuca to really stamp their mark on this project.”
To fund stage one, the committee needs at least $150,000. So far, Moama Bowling Club has contributed $30,000 to the cause.
The committee has called on large companies in town to provide funding to the project, from retail, hospitality and tourism, to manufacturing and transport.
“If you are looking to embed yourself in the community and be proactive about fighting crime and improving community safety, we’re calling all businesses,” Inspector Bowler said.
“We’ve got major companies ... we’d love to see those big corporations.”
Multiple levels of sponsorship are available, including naming rights, advertising and acknowledgement in project communications.
In-kind donations and contributions to committee discussions are also welcomed.
To get on board the Echuca Moama Safe Towns Camera Project, email ceo@c4em.com.au
The full project plan is available on the C4EM website, accessible at c4em.com.au/cctv
