Community
- Invercargill and Bluff gain enhanced security with 46 CCTV cameras operational by Christmas.
- Council invests $2.3 million in phase one of CCTV project to support investigations.
- New MOU formalises collaboration between Council and Police to ensure public safety.
Progress continues on the installation of 68 CCTV cameras across Invercargill and Bluff, with 46 cameras expected to be operational by Christmas. Among these, Stirling Point and South City installations will soon be live, enhancing security in key areas. The initiative is backed by a $2.3 million investment from the Council to investigate and implement stage one of the project. Related: CCTV Rollout Begins in Invercargill and Bluff
Council Chief Executive Michael Day and Southern Area Commander Inspector Mike Bowman recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to solidify the partnership between the Council and Police. This agreement outlines the use of CCTV footage for public safety, road safety, criminal investigations, and emergency management. Day emphasised, “The agreement between Council and Police details the use of information for the purpose of supporting investigations into criminal activity, public safety, road safety and emergency management.”
Signage has been installed across monitored locations to remind the public of active surveillance. Day noted that this collaboration aims to reassure the community of ongoing efforts to enhance safety.
Council Group Manager Infrastructure Erin Moogan highlighted the significance of having some key sites operational ahead of the holiday season, providing peace of mind for residents and visitors. “Having CCTV operational in our city should come as peace of mind to those using these areas that we are doing what we can to keep our community safe and help prevent crime.”
To ensure the reliability of the system, regular maintenance has been contracted for the new network. Phase one includes installations in the Tay St-Gala St-Queens Dr-Leven St boundary, South City, and Stirling Point, with all locations expected to be live by February 2025.
The next phase, set to commence next year, will explore additional locations in Invercargill for further CCTV coverage, expanding the initiative’s reach.