Federal Member for Flinders, the Hon Greg Hunt MP joined Mornington Peninsula Shire Council Mayor Brian Payne, Caterina Politi and members of the local community at the site of the recently completed Rye CCTV cameras on Thursday to see the completed system in action.
“The local community in Rye have been lobbying for these cameras for some years and to see them fully operational is an amazing moment for everyone involved,” Minister Hunt said.
“I was thrilled to secure $200,000 in funding for this project and these CCTV cameras deliver on the Turnbull Government’s commitment to help keep communities safe and reduce crime.”
“The cameras have the ability to be monitored from Rosebud Police Station and will provide officers with the best tools possible to combat anti-social behaviour.”
Funding for the CCTV projects was committed under the Coalition’s $40 million Safer Communities Fund.
Calls for cameras along the Rye Foreshore had increased since the tragic death of David Cassai on New Year’s Eve 2012.
“David’s tragic passing at the hands of a senseless one-punch hit not only took the life of an innocent young man, but sent a ripple-effect through an entire community.” Mr Hunt said.
“David’s mother Caterina has been a tireless campaigner for the installation of these cameras and she deserves a lot of commendation for this project coming to fruition.”
David’s mother Caterina Politi thanked Minister Hunt for his assistance in securing the CCTV cameras and hoped they would curb any further anti-social violence.
“I welcome the installation of the CCTV cameras in the Rye foreshore area,” Ms Politi said.
“This area has been a problem spot for many years, including the death of my son David Cassai over five years ago. I believe the live streaming to Rosebud Police station will help prevent future senseless acts of violence and possibly another death,”
“Many might not be aware that prior to the attack on David and his friends there were two unrelated young men assaulted in this foreshore area. If these cameras were operating at that time possibly police would have been alerted and these thugs would have been stopped.”
“I sincerely thank Greg Hunt and the Federal Government for providing the funds to keep our community safe.”
Mr Hunt echoed Ms Politi’s comments, saying that he hoped the cameras would make potential offenders think twice about their actions.
“I remember what Caterina said last year, that she hopes that these cameras ‘only capture butterflies, rather than violence.’ It is my fervent hope that this is the case,” Mr Hunt said.
“However for those who do wish to break the law, these cameras send a clear message. You will be seen and you will be caught.”
Mornington Peninsula Shire Mayor and Nepean Ward Councillor Bryan Payne said the community has shown a desire for CCTV systems to help improve the safety of our townships.
“To ensure we are meeting their needs Shire will continue to work with the State and Federal Governments on programs like this to create safer communities and we thank the Federal Government for their contribution to the Community of Rye,” said Councillor Payne.
Nepean Ward Councillor Hugh Fraser said “this new security system is going to make a difference to the local community by helping them feel safe and secure in their local space.
“CCTV is also beneficial for Victoria Police in assisting them with fighting crime and will help residents to feel safe”.