UPDATE: Goulburn Mulwaree Deputy Mayor Caitlin Flint has urgently called for an upgrade of the CCTV system in Belmore Park following alarming reports of rising crime, including vandalism and antisocial behavior. The council will investigate improvements to video surveillance to enhance public safety after unanimous support for her motion at the December 2023 council meeting.
Flint emphasized that community concerns over safety were voiced during a recent “coffee with a councillor” session. Residents expressed fears about walking through the park after dark, citing a significant increase in incidents like fights, drug activity, and vandalism. “Belmore Park is a place of beauty and pride, but it has become a feared location after dark,” Flint said.
In a troubling incident earlier this year, graffiti marred the Vietnam War commemoration plaque, underscoring the need for effective surveillance. Police had to request footage from the outdated cameras, which Flint noted were installed nearly ten years ago and have limited capabilities. “The existing CCTV system does not adequately capture incidents due to poor visual quality and blind spots,” she stated.
The deputy mayor’s proposal includes the installation of modern cameras that offer greater coverage and clarity. She plans to collaborate with local law enforcement to identify high-risk areas and explore grant funding opportunities for the upgrades. Flint highlighted the importance of this initiative in light of the council’s ongoing efforts to revitalize the CBD and establish a special entertainment precinct in the city center.
Cr Dan Strickland, another council member, welcomed the motion, declaring that while Belmore Park had not been officially recognized as a crime “hot spot,” the move aligns with broader safety efforts across the community. He acknowledged the challenges posed by filming restrictions around the courthouse and the lack of budget for camera maintenance.
Flint asserted that the council’s CCTV code of practice must be adhered to while stressing that “prevention is better than the cure.” If grant funding is not secured by June 2026, she plans to propose council funding for the necessary infrastructure.
The urgency of this initiative reflects the growing concerns among residents and business owners, who have voiced their frustration with the lack of safety in the area. As calls for action mount, a comprehensive report on the proposed improvements will be presented to councillors by June.
This developing situation highlights the pressing need for enhanced surveillance and public safety measures in Belmore Park, a beloved community icon. Stay tuned for updates as the Goulburn Mulwaree Council takes steps to address these critical safety issues.
