NEW CCTV cameras launched today marked the completion of the $350,000 upgrade to the City of Mandurah’s CCTV system.
The project involved the installation of new CCTV cameras, updating existing cameras and a new fibre optic network.
Placement of the new cameras was decided in consultation with WA Police who provided valuable insights into crime hot spots where there was a need for surveillance.
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READ NOWThe new cameras are operational and connect to the City’s CCTV system where vision is viewable by officers at Mandurah Police Station, Water Police and City rangers.
Mandurah MLA David Templeman, for whom the upgrade was an election commitment, said it was a vital project for improving safety in Mandurah.
“It is so important people feel safe while enjoying the city centre and entertainment areas,’’ he said.
“Community safety and crime reduction is a big priority and the roll out of extra and improved CCTV facilities is a big step forward in making Mandurah a safer place.”
In the 2016 Community Safety and Crime Prevention Perceptions Survey, the community asked for a focus on better lighting, increased surveillance and activation on public spaces, according to Mandurah Mayor Rhys Williams.
“We know business owners in the city centre have been particularly concerned about anti-social activity in the area so as well as better surveillance we have also provided more boots on the ground with extra patrols around the Smart Street Mall,’’ he said.
“Another good example is the focus placed on crime prevention in the planning for the new foreshore development – we are designing our open places to be safer through better lighting and making them more amenable to activation.
“We have also recently invested $400,000 to fund a four-person City Activation team which is working to drive more people into the town centre.
“The more active an area, the safer it is.”
The project includes optical fibre installation from the council offices, along the eastern foreshore to the bridge.
A further stage will see cameras installed on the bridge and the western foreshore.
The existing Smart Street Mall cameras were upgraded and new cameras are placed at Keith Holmes Reserve, the southern end of the eastern foreshore, the Brighton Hotel laneway, Pinjarra Road near the rangers office, the public space near Sholl and Church Streets and Smart Street Mall.