Four solar-powered cameras will be stationed in Commonwealth Park during Floriade. File photo.
The ACT Government has added more portable solar-powered CCTV cameras to its network of 21 cameras currently operating across the nation’s capital, including one to protect an infamous artwork after repeated vandalism.
The solar-powered CCTV cameras are currently located at a wide range of locations across the territory including Glebe Park, the Jerrabomberra Wetlands, the National Arboretum, Griffith shops and at Belconnen’s Owl Artwork.
Since the start of the year, the ACT Government has increased the number of solar-powered CCTV units from 12 to 21. In April, three were allocated to Tharwa Drive in Conder, the Cotter Road in Weston Creek and Point Hut Road in Gordon to combat a spate of car fires on the outskirts of Canberra.
A Justice and Community Safety Directorate spokesperson said the solar-powered CCTV cameras are portable and can be moved around to ensure public safety, deter crime, protect assets and monitor events, with four of the cameras to be stationed in Commonwealth Park during Floriade.
The spokesperson said the units have also been used on a temporary basis at bus stops and along Lonsdale Street during last year’s festive period.
“Solar-powered CCTV is a highly cost-efficient way to provide a CCTV presence where no fixed ICT or power is available,” the spokesperson said. “CCTV camera locations are selected on a priority basis according to guidelines and close consultation with ACT Policing.
“The ACT Government considers crime trends, public event schedules and community feedback when determining the locations for permanent or temporary CCTV installations.
“Live and recorded footage from the solar-powered CCTV cameras is available to the ACT Government and ACT Policing to support public safety monitoring, event management and criminal investigations.”
The Justice and Community Safety Directorate also manages and maintains 80 cameras in the ACT Government’s Public Safety CCTV network, with cameras located in Canberra’s City, the Jolimont bus station, GIO Stadium, Manuka Oval, EPIC, Manuka and Kingston shopping precincts, Haig Park and Tuggeranong CBD.
Last month, the ACT Government announced that its CCTV network would also expand to Henry Rolland Park in Acton to increase public safety at the park, with four CCTV cameras proposed for the location.
The ACT Government said it is also finalising a Strategic CCTV Plan 2019-2022 to guide future investment in the technology.
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