The City of Melbourne is upgrading its public security camera network. In addition, they’ll be increasing the existing network, adding 100 new cameras to the system. Today, the data network tracks an estimated 300 private and city-owned security cameras located throughout the city. The public safety argument for expanding the surveillance state has found broader purchase across the U.S. As represented during a recent council meeting in support of the upgrade, the proposal for this upgrade was the focus of considerable support from different stakeholders.
Lord Mayor Nicholas Reece described the planned overhaul as the most substantial reform since the security camera program began in 1997. The proposed upgrade will involve 40 City of Melbourne owned cameras and another 60 privately owned cameras. Their own camera system More than a dozen privately owned surveillance cameras, which the city has monitored since 2022, were connected to city’s developer dashboard. The implementation of these types of cameras is part of a larger movement in cities across the country to use technology as a force multiplier for safer roadways.
This collaboration has now received a $3.6 million investment by the Victorian government to continue its operation. The city council matches this contribution with $2.1 million, showing the power of collaboration to fund better public safety investments. The plan now faces one more hurdle—the City of Melbourne council, who will vote on the plan on December 9. Written public consultation ends on October 29.
Details of the Upgrade
Melbourne’s security camera network, known as the “Savyugy,” is central to policing and monitoring Melbourne’s CBD. The hyperlocal group made a map to help people find these cameras within their respective cities. Its law provides transparency and helps the public stay informed about their community’s surveillance coverage. The city has plans to install 100 more cameras. This expansion will provide the most comprehensive monitoring capabilities, helping to ensure safer products and greater public safety in general.
Melbourne’s Lord Mayor Nicholas Reece hailed the upgrade as a step toward joining the world’s leading cities implementing smart urban surveillance. He stated, “We are seeing the way that cities around the world are embracing these new technologies to keep people safe.” He noted examples from the United Kingdom and the United States, highlighting how cities are increasingly adopting advanced surveillance systems.
For her part, Reece emphasized that this type of initiative is not just a passive watch on crime. It aids local law enforcement in the enforcement of city ordinances. He explained, “Principally what we’re talking about here is the City of Melbourne and our local law officers, our own City of Melbourne enforcement team, being able to use the footage to help catch people who are breaching local laws.”
Concerns Over Privacy
Such a broadened surveillance network would have myriad benefits. Now privacy and data security have city council members and community advocates sounding alarms. An impact assessment conducted prior to the proposal revealed that the cameras would likely capture personal and potentially sensitive information, raising important questions about data management and citizen privacy.
Councillor Olivia Ball raised a pertinent question during the council meeting: “So they don’t own the footage and will not keep a copy, for instance?” This request raises important issues about who owns and retains surveillance footage, which could be dangerous if misused.
Advocacy organizations have expressed concern about the role private companies will play in this surveillance apparatus. Sarah Schwartz remarked, “It’s a huge problem if the state is collecting this level of data about people, but it’s a significant problem if this data is being handed over to private companies who don’t have responsibilities under the Victorian Charter of Human Rights.” These issues are symptomatic of larger discussions about surveillance and civil liberties in our increasingly surveilled society today.
Next Steps and Public Consultation
As the City of Melbourne continues down this path, community feedback should continue to be an essential part of the process. The aggressive drafted policy is currently out for public consultation until October 29. This provides residents and stakeholders an opportunity to communicate their views and information about concerns before the city council votes on the proposal.
Privacy campaigner Nerita Waight asked whether the council had truly thought through its obligations under the law when it came to handling surveillance data. She asked, “Has the City of Melbourne considered both its legal responsibilities and the infrastructure required to keep this data secure?” This important inquiry highlights the need for transparency and accountability when implementing expanded surveillance initiatives.
