The Gold Coast City Council is set to enhance its CCTV infrastructure considerably over the next ten years, planning to add over 40 new cameras to the current network of 800. This initiative is primarily aimed at combating increasing crime rates and improving public safety throughout the city.
The first stage of the expansion will target four strategic areas: Varsity Parade in Varsity Lakes, Macarthur Parade in Main Beach, Burleigh Heads Memorial Park, and Enderly Avenue in Surfers Paradise. The council has earmarked more than $1.2 million from the current budget for these initial camera installations, indicating a strong commitment to bolstering surveillance in these locations.
Particularly noteworthy is the focus on Burleigh Heads, where $500,000 has been allocated by the state government for technological enhancements over the next decade. This decision arises from rising concerns about crime and violence in the suburb, which is anticipated to become a designated entertainment precinct with new venues and the upcoming light rail connection.
Councillor Naomi Fowler highlighted that the addition of more cameras will enable more comprehensive coverage of popular areas, thereby enhancing safety for residents and visitors alike.
In addition to standard CCTV installations, the plan includes expanding capabilities for license plate recognition, deploying mobile CCTV units, and introducing two anti-hooning trailers by 2031. Furthermore, a new operations centre is in the works to unify police, transport, and G-link light rail services under one roof, streamlining coordination and response efforts.
This CCTV expansion represents a proactive step by the Gold Coast City Council to address public safety concerns, promising to improve monitoring and crime prevention as the city continues to grow and evolve.