Mayor Stretch Kontelj wants to “increase (the City’s) network presence” of CCTV cameras throughout Geelong.
The City of Greater Geelong’s Safe City Network cameras have given rise to a wide range of often fiercely-held opinions in the community.
Beginning with six cameras in 2004, the City has steadily increased the number of cameras around Geelong to just under 300.
Part of the City’s smart city policy, the CCTV cameras are intended to provide a safer environment, deter offenders and assist in crime detection, intervention and prosecution.
However, in recent years councillors have faced questions at their monthly meetings from members of the public concerned about privacy and intrusive surveillance.
In a statement released this week, Mayor Kontelj said he was “working with council and the City to increase our network presence”.
“We know that the presence of CCTV provides a sense of security, enabling community members to feel more comfortable in public spaces,” he said.
“Our Safe City Network acts as a deterrent but is also helping Victoria Police as a valuable tool for investigation and evidence collection.”
Steven Spiranovic is the City of Greater Geelong’s CCTV project officer, spending his week monitoring, maintaining and cleaning the City’s safety cameras and providing support to Victoria Police and other external agencies.
“My role as the CCTV Project Officer is critical to maintaining the safety of central Geelong, suburbs and our Safe City Network,” Mr Spiranovic said.
“We’ve had multiple success stories in catching offenders using the camera network and working in conjunction with Victoria Police.”
Mr Spiranovic also monitors Eastern Beach during summer, keeping an eye out for potential incidents lifeguards may have missed.
“We had a near drowning that was saved by the quick action of the lifeguards (after I alerted them) and calling Triple Zero and getting that ambulance there, ASAP,” he said.
Councillor Chris Burson, chair of Safety, Graffiti and Regulation portfolio and a former police officer and army engineer, said safety in the region was a “complex issue that requires a well-rounded approach”.
“We value the privacy of every individual and adhere to strict rules around data governance and cyber security,” Cr Burson said.
“Footage from our Safe City Network is stored securely and all systems are up to date with firmware.”
