Safety camera network ‘doubles’ overnight
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The City’s Safety Camera network has virtually ‘‘doubled overnight’’ thanks to the State Government gifting more than 200 cameras to the coast following the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games.
“This is legacy in action and I thank the State Government,’’ said Mayor Tom Tate.
During the Games, the City’s core network of cameras was increased to around 530, with 234 of these deployed specifically to support Games operations. These 234 devices have since been gifted to the City and are being integrated into our network.
Many of these cameras will stay where they are, and the City is planning to redeploy the remainder following discussions with Queensland Police Service (QPS) and our Mayoral Safer Suburbs Forum members about local priorities.
The 234 extra cameras complement a series of upgrades the City completed ahead of the Games, along with our $3 million annual investment in the network.
“Our network has grown from 16 cameras in Surfers Paradise in 1999 to one which is now the envy of most Australian cities,’’ he said.
“Importantly, the new devices complement our existing cameras and systems, providing the latest in high definition, high performance lenses, and ability to operate in poor light.
“We have real-time viewing and controls in the City’s Safety Camera Network Control Room, the new Joint Emergency Services Coordination Centre, our Local Disaster Coordination Centre and the Traffic Coordination Centre.”
Mayor Tate said the City-funded fibre optic network had also enhanced the capacity of the network to take on more cameras now and into the future.
Minister for the Commonwealth Games, Kate Jones, said the additional CCTV cameras would help locals and visitors stay safe well beyond the Games.
“The additional CCTV cameras had been used alongside Gold Coast City’s existing safety infrastructure during the Games,” Ms Jones said.
“The additional cameras were necessary to provide perimeter security at both competition and non-competition venues.
“The State Government has now gifted 234 extra cameras to extend the City’s extensive security network.”