THE installation of closed-circuit television (CCTV) in Wagga’s CBD is one step closer after receiving the support of the Wagga Safe Taskforce.

The Wagga Safe Taskforce has thrown its support behind the preparation of a detailed crime assessment.

Chairman of the taskforce, Wagga Mayor Kerry Pascoe, said this was the next step in the process of installing CCTV on Baylis Street.

Cr Pascoe said the costs of CCTV could outweigh its benefits, so the council and taskforce should make decisions based on evidence-based crime data. He said this would ensure CCTV would be effective in reducing alcohol-fuelled, anti-social behaviour.

Cr Kevin Wales has been vocal on the issue and said CCTV was not the answer to alcohol-related problems, but that it would help catch offenders.

The CCTV issue was brought up at council’s ordinary meeting on Monday June 30.

It was presented at the Wagga Safe Taskforce meeting on Tuesday night.

Council is also urging the taskforce to consider issues

such as the responsible service of alcohol and alternate

‘lockout’ times at Wagga nightspots.