Mornington Peninsula Shire Council has approved a $500,000 investment to repair and upgrade the region’s ageing CCTV network, aiming to give police better tools to respond to crime and safety incidents.
The upgrade will modernise the existing system of about 60 cameras installed across key township centres including Hastings, Mornington, Mount Eliza, Mount Martha, Rosebud and Rye.
Currently, the network transmits live footage to local police stations, but much of the equipment is due for replacement. The Shire says the works will include improved reliability, better image quality, and the introduction of a cloud-based platform so Victoria Police can access footage remotely while on patrol.
Improving Access For Police
Mayor Anthony Marsh said while community safety is primarily a state responsibility, the Council’s role is to ensure local infrastructure supports that effort.
“This investment will make sure our CCTV network is working as it should and that Victoria Police have reliable access when they need it,” Cr Marsh said.
“It’s about giving them another tool to help respond quickly and hold offenders to account.”
A security contractor will be appointed to complete the works, which are expected to roll out over the coming months.
Targeted Investment, Not Expansion
The $500,000 allocation is a one-off investment drawn from the 2025–26 budget under the Council’s community safety and crime prevention program. The focus is on restoring and upgrading existing cameras rather than expanding coverage to new areas.
The Shire says the upgrade follows feedback from police and local traders concerned about system faults and downtime in recent years.
Balancing Safety And Privacy
While CCTV can deter crime and assist investigations, its use in public spaces continues to raise questions about privacy, data retention, and how footage is accessed or shared.
Council has not yet detailed whether the upgrade will include updated policies on data handling or public transparency, though these are expected to be part of the tender process.
Community Response
The Peninsula’s CCTV network has been credited with helping police identify suspects in several past incidents, particularly around shopping precincts and foreshore areas. Some community groups, however, have argued that investment in lighting, youth programs, and mental health services can be equally effective in preventing crime.
