By Jed Lanyon
Casey MP Tony Smith is splashing cash across the valley ahead of the federal election in May.
He vowed to provide $92,174 to deliver CCTV security cameras in Seville to help complete the security camera network in the Yarra Valley, if the Morrison government was re-elected.
Mr Smith pledged $125,000 for the remaining part of the Warburton CCTV project, adding to the funding recently secured, as well as $74,721 for Millgrove.
He said that CCTV security cameras both detected and deterred local crime.
“When the cameras are switched on, a significant amount of crime, graffiti and unsociable behaviour is switched off,” he said.
The CCTV camera network will enable Victoria Police to track crime by location and direction.
On Friday 26 April, Mr Smith pledged two grants of $50,000 for solar battery storage at Healesville Memo Hall and the Yarra Centre Yarra Junction.
Solar panels have already been installed in these locations and they are both dedicated recovery centres in critical times.
Mr Smith said that having battery storage and solar power would only make them more effective.
A re-elected Morrison government would contribute $20,000 to building electronic scoreboards at Yarra Junction Recreation Reserve and Pinks Reserve in Kilsyth.
Yarra Ranges Council has contributed $10,000 towards the project in Yarra Junction.
An electronic scoreboard can allow for advertising on game days, meaning extra revenue for clubs.
Mr Smith said the Yarra Junction Cricket Club had advocated hard and shown an incredible commitment to lobbying for the funding.
“Building better sporting facilities builds a stronger community and fosters greater participation,” he said.
Yarra Junction Cricket Club thanked Mr Smith and Councillor Jim Child following the announcement.
“This is not just going to benefit our club, but also the Yarra Junction Junior and Senior Football Clubs as well as the wider community,” the club said in a statement.
