Crackdown On Graffiti

Newcastle Herald

Saturday August 30, 2008

GR

INCUMBENT Newcastle Lord Mayor John Tate stole a march on his political rivals yesterday by unveiling a broad-ranging policy document aimed at cracking down on graffiti, introducing CCTV cameras along Hunter Street, reducing the number of councillors and expanding park and ride options for the city's workers.

In their first major policy announcement yesterday, Cr Tate and his team of independents moved to deflect election debate away from leadership and onto "core values and responsibilities" which were "the real issues that ratepayers want solved".

Despite Newcastle City Council voting overwhelmingly to reject the idea of CCTV cameras in the city's CBD just two months ago, Team Tate yesterday flagged an immediate safety audit of the city's troubled centre and the possible introduction of the cameras along the full length of Hunter Street to the city's west.

"We're talking about the creation of a safe pedestrian corridor between Dairy Farmers Corner and the beach," Cr Tate said.

Such a scheme would be extended through Hunter Street Mall and along Scott Street but could also be extended to the city's suburbs, he said, and be partly funded by the business community and the State Government.

Graffiti would also be targeted with a pledge to establish a graffiti removal hotline and employ a dedicated graffiti removal officer at the council.

Adding new spice to next month's election, the Tate independents also raised the spectre of a reduction in councillor numbers from 13 to nine. In transport plans were unveiled to increase park and ride stations for the city's workforce. The existing link from EnergyAustralia Stadium would be expanded and a new station created at Mayfield.

© 2008 Newcastle Herald

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