New CCTV network set for Dongara after $160K industry-backed funding delivers long-awaited safety upgrade

Dongara will soon be equipped with a new network of CCTV cameras to boost public safety, with the support of $160,000 from two major business groups.

WA-based MEPAU and Beach Energy, who are joint venture partners in various oil and gas projects in the Shire of Irwin, fully funded the installation as a community contribution, allowing the shire to move ahead with the long-awaited safety initiative.

Shire of Irwin president Mark Leonard said that after years of seeking funding, the project was now able to go ahead in full.

“The shire has been trying to fund CCTV for three to four years now through various levels of government, and have been unsuccessful,” he said.

“We actually did all the technical work around about three years ago, which means we knew what we wanted and where we wanted to have these cameras located.

“So for one of our major industry groups to fully fund it — it’s a tremendous contribution to our community.”

While Dongara is known for its low crime rates and safe reputation, Cr Leonard said the cameras would serve as both a deterrent and a reassurance for locals.

“We are well known to be a safe town. But this will assist our local businesses in looking after their assets, and just creating a greater feel of safety and wellbeing through the community,” he said.

“Having seen the results of being able to solve crimes and deter antisocial behaviour (through CCTV), it also gives that feeling of community safety knowing that areas are being watched and that families and people can go out, ride their push bikes, enjoy the outdoors and our public spaces, feeling that little bit safer.”

He noted some local businesses had been impacted by break-ins and vandalism over the past few years — a concern echoed by local business owner Kelly Wilson.

“Over the last couple of years there’s been quite a fair few local businesses in Dongara and Port Denison that have been broken into,” Ms Wilson told 7NEWS Regional.

“Sooner is obviously better than later, but the timing of when it (CCTV) does come will be absolutely perfect because it means everyone has got the ability to be safe.”

Dongara police officer-in-charge Sgt Neil Boonzaaier said property crime in the town was currently at a “five-year average”, but the extra surveillance would still make an “invaluable” difference.

“If we can have strategic positions in town, that will help us track down individuals better,” he said.

“It allows us to respond as quickly as we can and get the offenders involved and make it known that if you come to Dongara, that behaviour will not be tolerated.”

With a large percentage of residents over the age of 50 residing in the town, Sgt Boonzaaier said the cameras would also aid those who were fragile in the community.

“We’ve got a fairly older population and they tend to be vulnerable,” he explained.

“With comprehensive CCTV, that can assist us if someone has a fall. It can certainly help us get help to them quicker.”

The CCTV system is expected to be installed and operational by Christmas.

Seven Group Holdings is a major shareholder of Beach Energy and Seven West Media. Seven West Media is the owner of West Australian Newspapers, which publishes The Midwest Times.