‘Vandals and troublemakers’ in three Huon Valley townships are now being watched by dozens of new CCTV cameras that were installed following a community push for safer public spaces.
The expanded surveillance network has gone live across Huonville at the Esplanade playground, Cygnet at the skate park and main street and Heritage Park in Geeveston.
Huon Valley Mayor Sally Doyle said residents identified safety as their number one concern for liveable communities in a recent council survey.
“By investing in technology that discourages the small number of people who cause problems, we hope to prevent damaging behaviour,” she said.
The Local Government Association of Tasmania delivered the upgrade, with each township receiving tailored solutions.
Huonville’s existing system was boosted with additional cameras, while Cygnet’s separate networks were integrated into one system. Geeveston received its first complete CCTV coverage.
Tasmania Police will be given the footage to assist with investigations when needed, the council said.
“It will aid us to quickly identify and apprehend offenders when matters occur,” Inspector Colin Riley said.
“The community will be the net beneficiaries from this fantastic initiative.”
The cameras only monitor public areas, the council said. Privacy at home remains protected under the system’s design.
