A proposal to install up to four additional CCTV cameras in Balclutha was approved unanimously by the Clutha District Council this week.
Clutha-Taieri area response manager Senior Sergeant Stan Leishman met the council to put his case for the cameras, which would join 16 already operating in the South Otago town. The new cameras would cost between $15,000 and $20,000.
Several councillors sought clarification on technical and financial aspects of the CCTV network and its effectiveness.Snr Sgt Leishman said footage from the cameras had been used "about 150 times" during the past two years and had helped boost the number of convictions for offences.
Funding for the new cameras will be drawn from a residual street upgrade budget.
• A Clutha community group’s request to retain previously granted council funding was declined at the meeting. The council voted 10-3 against the South Otago Historical Society’s request to retain about $14,000, earmarked in February for wages for a yet-to-be-appointed museum curator in the town.
Mayor Bryan Cadogan said it was "standard procedure" to recoup funds when they were not used within the agreed timeframe. The council awaited a planned review of the society’s finances before further progress could be made, and a council staff member would be assigned to liaise more closely with the group.
• A motorsport event being held around Otago-Southland on October 22-28 is not expected to support Clutha hospitality providers when it passes through the district.
Mr Cadogan expressed disappointment at the Targa Rally’s Invercargill, Dunedin and Queenstown accommodation recommendations, and rally plans to provide mobile catering for participants during the week-long event, despite it spending three days in South Otago.
Council chief executive Steve Hill said the council had been "backed into a corner" by the rally organisers into permitting the event, which would be raced over roads in the district from October 24 to 26.
Mr Hill said he had informed organisers future permission would be granted only if stipulations on extended notice and remuneration were met.
