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Birrell pledges CCTV funding if Coalition elected

By Ryan Bellingham

Apr 11, 2025

Sam Birrell has promised a boost for safety in Echuca if the Coalition is elected. Photo by JORDAN TOWNROW

Federal Member for Nicholls Sam Birrell has pledged $150,000 for CCTV cameras in the Echuca CBD if the Coalition is elected.

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Mr Birrell made the announcement on Tuesday, April 9 at the Echuca Workers.

“I’ve heard first-hand from residents that safety is a priority, and we’re responding with practical measures to help make public spaces safer for everyone,” he said.

“I think if a city really wants to maintain that great, vibrant culture, which Echuca has, people need to feel safe, and their property needs to be safe.”

The funding will come from a revitalised Safer Communities Fund, and is contingent on a Coalition government winning this year’s federal election.

Emily Thorpe, Sam Birrell, David Cunningham, Naomi Murray and Erin Longman at the announcement. Photo by JORDAN TOWNROW

Improved CCTV coverage has been called for by local businesses and organisations involved in the Echuca Moama Safe Towns Camera Project.

Campaspe Port Enterprise operations manager Naomi Murray said the project had been in the works since 2021.

“I’m praying that we get this money because it will make (Echuca) such a better place, especially in regards to events,” she said.

The project was initiated by Committee for Echuca Moama, and has been supported by Campaspe Shire Council, Echuca and Moama police, and the local safety committee.

Echuca Workers, KFC Echuca and the Moama Bowling Club have previously made financial contributions to the project.

The federal election will be held on Saturday, May 3.