Council CCTV network to expand

The CCTV network operated by the Fraser Coast Regional Council will grow this year.

At its meeting today (Wednesday August 2016), Council agreed to a $135,000 program to install cameras at six new sites including:

• Queens Park Gallipoli to Armistice walk;
• Granville landfill;
• Yengarie Transfer Station;
• Howard landfill;
• Mayne Street in Tiaro and
• The intersection of Boat Harbour Drive and Main Street in Hervey Bay.

“The Council CCTV network has been developed in consultation with the Police, requests from residents and community groups and Council,” Cr Paul Truscott said.

“We have very good feedback from the police that the presence of the cameras helps reduce crime and bad behaviour in public spaces and that the footage has helped in several successful prosecutions.

“The feedback we have received is that it also makes people using Council facilities feel safe.”

The network now includes 434 cameras at 35 locations.

At the meeting, Council also agreed to list a further 16 projects, estimated to cost $400,000, for consideration in future budgets.

Of the nine projects approved last year, four in Maryborough have been completed including Macalister Station (Maryborough Parklands); Brendan Hansen Park and the intersections of Ellena and Bazaar streets, and Ellena and Richmond streets.

COVID-19 restrictions have delayed five projects including the intersections of the Hervey Bay Esplanade at Tavistock Street and Denman Camp Road, and Frank Street and the end of the Urangan Pier.

The project to install CCTV in City Park in Hervey Bay is on hold until the refurbishment of the Fraser Coast Cultural Centre is completed.

“Council allocated $400,000 in the current budget for the maintenance and implementation of CCTV initiatives, with $70,000 committed to projects underway; $185,000 for scheduled replacements and $145,000 for new installations,” Cr Truscott said.