Violence, antisocial behaviour and abuse on Beaumont Street have put pressure on authorities to act, but CCTV cameras set for the Hamilton strip appear to be stuck in a $100,000 funding stoush.
Newcastle Liberal councillor Jenny Barrie has accused MP Tim Crakanthorp and the state government of abandoning residents and businesses after they "failed" to deliver a grant to install CCTV on Beaumont Street, leaving the future of the initiative in doubt.
"Too much time has passed and residents have waited long enough for this to progress," Cr Barrie said.
"How hard is it for a local member to secure the funds needed for a program he says he cares so much about?"
Mr Crakanthorp maintains he wants to see CCTV on Beaumont Street delivered as soon as possible.
"I understand that the Hamilton Business Improvement Association (BIA) made an application to the Active Regional Communities package, to which I provided a letter of support," Mr Crakanthorp said.
"Unfortunately, that was unsuccessful.
"I am unaware if council have made any further grant or funding applications, but I would be happy to support any future applications."
Mr Crakanthorp said he has been advocating to Minister for Police Yasmin Catley to find appropriate funding for CCTV on Beaumont Street.
The issues plaguing the CBD have been well-documented over the past several months.
Attempted break-ins forced at least one business owner to shut up shop, residents dodge used needles, vomit and human excrement left on the street and in November 2024, 22-year-old James Callahan was killed when he was allegedly followed and ambushed by a group on Beaumont Street.
James's mother Sally is one of many who have made a public plea for CCTV.
Mr Crakanthorp presented a petition with more than 1000 signatures to Newcastle deputy lord mayor Charlotte McCabe in April, just days after the release of the Hamilton Community Safety Audit.
The audit report made more than 15 recommendations aimed at tackling antisocial issues on Beaumont Street.
At the time, Cr McCabe pointed out that with policing and law enforcement being state government responsibilities, there was nothing holding it back from installing CCTV.
City of Newcastle and the Hamilton BIA agreed to fund the CCTV initiative on the proviso the state government cover half the costs.
Cr Barrie said police, businesses, residents and the families of victims have all advocated for CCTV to help police respond to crime and deter antisocial behaviour.
"$100,000 is a drop in the ocean to the state government, but instead they would have ratepayers foot the bill for a tool to be used by their own state government police force," Cr Barrie said.
"There have been too many instances of violence, vandalism and harassment in Beaumont Street for this to continue to be ignored.
"If NSW Labor can't deliver the resources Newcastle needs to keep residents safe then maybe it's time for them to step aside."
