New CCTV cameras to increase Townsville’s security
Date published: 11 November 2019
Townsville City Council has ramped up security in the CBD with the recent installation of four extra CCTV cameras.
The cameras form part of a three-year roll-out of CCTV funded by the Australian Government under its Safer Communities Grant program.
Townsville Mayor Jenny Hill said the funding from the Australian Government had allowed Council to roll out new CCTV across the city.
“Council has been installing CCTV cameras at a number of sites throughout Townsville during the past three years,” Cr Hill said.
“These cameras have proved to be incredibly valuable for community safety and allows us to work with QPS to both prevent and respond to crime.
“Council has gone above and beyond with our community safety spend of $13.3 million and these cameras add to our 300-strong CCTV network in Townsville.”
Community Safety Advisory Committee Chair Cr Russ Cook said every member of the community had the right to feel safe when travelling around the city.
“These CCTV cameras have a role to play in both deterring crime but also adding an extra level of security and safety to our community members who travel around the city,” Cr Cook said.
“Council’s CCTV network has been vital for protecting our public assets and capturing incidents across the city.
“We have an MOU with the QPS, and we are able to share the CCTV footage with them whenever its needed, especially during incidents that require a rapid response.”
Local Councillor Ann-Maree Greaney said the new CCTV offered extra security for community members who were out and about in the city.
“The new stadium is not far away from opening and with the raft of new development and infrastructure being built it’s important that the community is able to feel safe,” Cr Greaney said.
“Having these new CCTV cameras installed in time for these projects to be completed is a great outcome for our residents and visitors to the CBD.
“They also offer an extra level of security for business owners in the area so it’s a win for everyone.”
There are 35 CCTV cameras in the CBD area with more than 300 cameras Townsville-wide.
