Southern Grampians Shire Council will expand its CCTV camera rollout across the region, with an additional 10 cameras to be installed across high traffic areas.
Phase two of the project will see cameras placed in Hamilton, Penshurst, Cavendish, Glenthompson, Branxholme, Byaduk and Balmoral, after Dunkeld, Coleraine and parts of Hamilton were completed in the initial 20 camera rollout last year.
Southern Grampians Shire Council Mayor Bruach Colliton said Council is pleased to once again partner with Victoria Police to improve safety in the region.
“The implementation of the first phase of the program has proved a beneficial resource to help increase security, improve visibility and safety for locals and visitors across the Southern Grampians,” said Cr Colliton.
“Through the South West Victorian Alliance, Council has been able to secure state funding to extend the CCTV partnership with Victoria Police and implement the next phase of the project.”
“We look forward to seeing the next camera rollout completed by the end of June,” concluded Cr Colliton.
Locations for phase two were determined after a review of cameras from the 2021 install and engagement with Victoria Police. Phase two will focus on surrounding townships, major road thoroughfares and capturing footage outside of licensed premises around the Shire.
Victoria Police Senior Sergeant Gerard Kelly said the installation of cameras in high traffic areas has provided Police with additional tools to investigate criminal activity around the region and assist with operational matters in real time.
“The CCTV cameras have helped to solve crime and target community safety,” said Senior Sergeant Kelly.
“We have seen some good examples where the footage of public spaces has contributed to the identification of people who have committed offences or helped identify safety issues. Police have been able to respond quickly and help address issues.
“For example there was a theft that occurred in a couple of businesses in Coleraine where detectives were able to view the Council footage and identify two vehicles that were stolen from the business addresses.
“We were subsequently then able to identify the offenders on cameras located in Hamilton and apprehend them. Those offenders are now going through the court process,” concluded Senior Sergeant Kelly.
The privacy of residents and visitors has been carefully considered as part of this rollout. The cameras and Council’s overall CCTV network complies with the Privacy and Data Protection Act 2014, Southern Grampians Shire Council’s Privacy Policy, and the Local Government Act 2020.