Port Phillip Council is continuing to rollout community safety measures, including a CCTV system officially launched today on the St Kilda foreshore.
Mayor Dick Gross said Council has already received feedback that the CCTV footage – which streams directly to the St Kilda Police Station – is helping Victoria Police to identify and arrest offenders.
“We listened to many members of our community, including traders, who urged us to support the installation of Victorian Government-funded CCTV on the St Kilda foreshore,” Cr Gross said.
“Most visitors to this iconic foreshore do the right thing and have a great time. Anti-social behaviour, however, will not be tolerated and we are doing what we can as a Council to help police in enhancing safety at Victoria’s most visited beach.
“CCTV is just one tool in the crime-prevention kit that we are drawing on. Our Council is constantly looking at ways we can improve safety – and perceptions of safety – through initiatives such as lighting upgrades and reducing vehicle access to crowded public places.”
Cr Gross said the Port Phillip community will also soon have the chance to provide input into the development of a City-wide Community Safety Plan.
“This CCTV system is a great example of what can be achieved when we work with police and the Victorian Government. While law and order is a police responsibility, we are doing what we can to keep our foreshore clean and safe for residents and visitors.”
Council project-managed the installation of ten cameras at five St Kilda foreshore locations on time and on budget and is responsible for the maintenance costs. The Victorian Government provided $100,000 for the cameras and an extra $120,000 for bollards and gates under the Community Crime Prevention Program.
Work is already underway on the final design for the extension of the St Kilda foreshore CCTV network to the Upper Esplanade, Acland Street, the Palais and National Theatre entertainment precincts and Luna Park.
The Victorian Government has provided a $250,000 grant for the extension, to be up and running in 2019. Council officers are working with Victoria Police on establishing the best locations for the cameras, with the exact number yet to be determined.
“While CCTV alone will never provide a ‘silver bullet’ solution to crime, we are supporting it in these busy locations as an important tool in helping keep St Kilda a fun and enjoyable place to live and visit, especially over the busy summer months,” Cr Gross said.
