The Member for Higgins, Peter Costello, today expressed disappointment at the decision of the Rudd Labor Government to refuse to fund 10 CCTV cameras in the Chapel Street area.

The National Community Crime Prevention Programme, introduced by the previous Government, provided significant funding to councils and community groups to tackle crime in their local area.

“I have previously visited projects funded through this programme and was impressed by the difference they make in terms of deterring crime and vandalism”, Mr Costello said.

 “CCTV cameras allow the apprehension of offenders and the bringing to justice and the proving of cases against such offenders”, Mr Costello said.

 “This is a devastating blow to local residents who are concerned about the level of crime on Chapel Street”, said Mr Costello.

 “It is pathetic that Labor can’t authorise $360,000 of expenditure out of a booming $1.1 trillion economy”, Mr Costello said.