CCTV coverage is to be extended to some of Whakatāne’s key harbour facilities, following funding approval by the Whakatāne District Council.

The Council last week agreed to invest up to $100,000 from the Harbour Account to improve security and community safety at the main commercial wharf, game wharf and boat ramp. That follows a number of issues involving the theft of vehicles from the boat ramp and game wharf car park, damage to Council and boat refuelling facilities and moored vessels, and safety risks for swimmers in the boat ramp area.

Mayor Tony Bonne says four CCTV cameras will be installed at the game wharf and boat ramp, with a further two cameras at the main commercial wharf.

“Discussions with the Bay of Plenty Regional Council Maritime Unit, Police, the Whakatāne Community Safety Group, and harbour activity stakeholders have confirmed a need for greater security and safety monitoring. Council elected members agreed that this extension to our current CCTV coverage should be undertaken as a matter of priority,” he says.