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IN PROGRESS: Workers are currently installing the new CCTV cameras which should operational in the coming weeks.
Following the successful grant application from Round 2 of the Safer Communities Fund last year, work will soon to be completed installing sixteen new CCTV cameras in Civic Park.
The application for this funding was submitted by Council following an outbreak of vandalism in Civic Park late last year where trees were snapped and the Council depot and public toilets were vandalised.
Council consequently met with police at Civic Park in October to discuss security options for the park. From this meeting came an understanding between Council and police to streamline the reporting process for incidents of vandalism and a lighting and camera surveillance plan was formulated by Council IT staff.
These consequent police reports, together with the lighting and surveillance plan, went into the successful application for the Safer Communities Fund grant application.
Manager Information Services David Poyner has said the cameras will be a boost to existing infrastructure at Civic Park and the wider community.
"The new cameras at Civic Park significantly add to Council’s pre-existing public CCTV network of eight cameras." David said.
"That network began in 2009 with the installation of three cameras at the foreshore and has since been expanded with additional cameras at the foreshore, Spencer and Eyre hotels and Riskit Park."
"The extensive coverage of Council’s wireless wide area network across the city has provided the opportunity to be able to add CCTV cameras into the network as the need arises."
16 CCTV cameras have been installed to monitor the park 24-7 with the vision beamed direct to the Whyalla Police Station.
The first stage of the project was installing new lights along the pathways with a total of 43 “Stealth” solar-power lights put in place in Civic Park and adjoining Schulz Park. The lights are strategically placed to provide as much light as possible on pathways and throughout the park.
SAFETY UPGRADE: One of several new CCTV cameras installed at Civic Park.
Police have continued to be actively involved in assessing the area and advising Council of the best locations for the lights and cameras. Council Senior Project Manager, Tom Spirat said the difference in the park was on show for everyone to see at night.
“This park could be pitch black at night when some of the street lights went off,” Tom said.
“Now you can see these lights on at all times and it has been noticeable that more people are starting to use the park and enjoy it regardless of the time of day.
“People are obviously feeling much safer with this lighting and that creates a snowball effect with the more people using the park, the safer it becomes.”
The Stealth lights, which will work in conjunction with the CCTV cameras, are solar powered, comply with the highest of safety standards in regards to illumination and have motion sensors that boost the light coverage when anyone is in the vicinity.
Incidents of crime should be reported to police via Crimestoppers on 1800 333 000. Vandalism to public property can be reported to Council by calling 8640 3444, via the council website or by using the My Local Services app which can be downloaded at http://www.lga.sa.gov.au/page.aspx?u=4099
SAFER ENVIRONMENT: The new Civic Park lights shine more brightly with motion sensors.