AusLeisure

Following a survey that found most community members supported the idea, the City of Monash will install closed-circuit TV (CCTV) cameras to monitor the Oakleigh Activity Centre in real time.

With a number of reported incidents in and around the Centre, including theft, increasing anti-social behaviour and the fatal stabbing of a young man in 2020, the Council has taken up the Victorian Government’s offer of $50,000 towards the purchase and installation of CCTV cameras at the facility.

At its 31st August meeting, Councillors voted to accept the offer and contribute $2,500 to $5,000 a year for ongoing maintenance.

Victoria Police will conduct the surveillance.

A Council-commissioned report involving a Monash-wide community engagement process found general support for the move. JWS Research conducted 500 phone surveys and a Shape Monash web page enabled online feedback and surveys. The process drew 486 responses from residents and non-residents.

Asked about the use of Council assets and resources for the real-time monitoring and video surveillance of activity by Victoria Police:

• Most phone respondents (78%) supported the proposal, including 46% who ‘strongly’ supported it. Almost seven in 10 online respondents (68%) supported it, with 60% offering strong support.
• Nine in 10 phone respondents (91%) agreed that CCTV was appropriate to help community safety. Of those who responded online, 71% agreed.
• Three in four phone (75%) and 65% of online respondents said it was appropriate to use Council assets such as CCTV cameras for live monitoring and surveillance of people by Victoria Police.
• Seven in 10 (71%) phone and 62% of online respondents said it was appropriate for Council to fund the ongoing maintenance of the State Government funded cameras.
• Most respondents were not concerned about invasion of privacy or feeling uncomfortable.
• About three in 10 (29% phone and 33% online) said real-time CCTV monitoring in public areas would ‘invade my privacy’.
• Around one in four (23%) of phone and 31% of online respondents said they would feel uncomfortable accessing public spaces and areas with real-time CCTV monitoring.

Monash Mayor Brian Little said the Council took seriously its responsibility to ensure individual privacy was maintained in managing CCTV systems and, as the Council’s current CCTV Policy did not factor in real-time monitoring, this will now be reviewed and amended to comply with Victorian regulations for this project.

Mayor Little stated “we need to ensure that the policy and this project are consistent with human rights, Freedom of Information, privacy, data protection, and surveillance laws.”

Advising that as part of the installation process, officers would consult relevant community members, Victoria Police, traders and businesses near the proposed cameras, Mayor Little added “Council will also conduct more detailed work on the proposed sites.

“So far they include the Council-owned Chester Street and Hanover Street carparks.”

Image: The Oakleigh Activity Centr. Credit: City of Monash.

Related Articles

22nd July 2021 - Touch Projects appointed to assist with delivery of Monash Tennis Centre

20th July 2021 - Outstanding Monash recreation projects secure two PLA State awards

8th July 2021 - City of Monash to refurbish Oakleigh Recreation Centre’s outdoor pool for summer

8th May 2021 - Teenager fatally stabbed in attack at community basketball venue in Melbourne’s west

29th April 2021 - Monash Council project aims to make public space more inclusive for play, recreation and sport

22nd April 2021 - Active Monash partnership delivers new sport and recreation program for young people living with a disability

9th April 2021 - City of Monash backs Waverley Women’s Sports Precinct Plan

21st January 2021 - City of Monash looks to celebrate Oakleigh Recreation Centre reopening

22nd December 2020 - Eddie Idik named Chair of NSW Chapter of leading global security association

23rd November 2020 - Monash Council partners to deliver Australian-first sport and recreation work program to young people with a disability

9th August 2020 - Three men hospitalised after ‘brutal’ stabbing at rugby league match in Western Sydney

19th May 2020 - New thermal imaging technology to enhance event security

6th February 2020 - UN launches international program to enhance security of major sporting events

19th September 2019 - Study to investigate cultural precinct option for Monash

4th September 2019 - Centaman Entrance Control expands security gate range

12th June 2019 - Details released of Westpac Stadium’s entire field and stand CCTV security system

2nd August 2018 - Suncorp Stadium and The Gabba to install facial recognition security cameras

21st March 2017 - Exercisers stabbed in Sydney gym

27th January 2014 - Audio visual services set for install at Frankston’s new Peninsula Aquatic Recreation Centre

7th November 2013 - Police release CCTV of arson attack on Sydney trampoline centre

15th October 2012 - Improving CCTV standards in facilities

---

Asking a small favour
We hope that you value the news that we publish so while you're here can we ask for your support?

The news we publish at www.ausleisure.com.au is independent, credible (we hope) and free for you to access, with no pay walls and no annoying pop-up ads.

However, as an independent publisher, can we ask for you to support us by subscribing to the printed Australasian Leisure Management magazine - if you don't already do so.

Published bi-monthly since 1997, the printed Australasian Leisure Management differs from this website in that it publishes longer, in-depth and analytical features covering aquatics, attractions, entertainment, events, fitness, parks, recreation, sport, tourism and venues management.

Subscriptions cost just $90 a year.

Click here to subscribe.