'Safer City' Initiative

TheChamber applauds Council's initiative for a "safer city". The announcement ofthese new measures by Lord Mayor, Councillor John Chedid, has been welcomed bybusiness, workers and residents and can only improve Parramatta's"visitability".

Theinstallation of wireless closed circuit television (CCTV) cameras in the ChurchStreet dining precinct is a timely investment in a key attraction of the city.

Thatthe initiative is ongoing and therefore part of the city's culture is extremelyimportant. Councillor Chedid has made it clear that, "This is not a one-offaction, but part of a long-term strategy that involves working collaborativelywith key community stakeholders to help clean-up our city".

WhileCouncil rightly leads the way in bringing about a safer city, including throughtheir excellent working relationship with local police, everyone has a part toplay. Businesses are supporting the installation of CCTV, which certainlyprovides police with the means to identify transgressors and take action;providing a deterrent for those contemplating anti-social or criminalactivities. But the best security comes from observers; for this there-introduction of through traffic in the mall was certainly a step in theright direction.

However,we all need to be vigilant and report any incidents that are, or could turninto unsafe situations. Let's all work with Council and the police to make ourcity safer. Zero tolerance worked in New York; if it can work there it can workanywhere.