Belmore Park is a central part of Goulburn and includes a war memorial, seating, a rotunda, gardens and other facilities. Photo: John Thistleton.
A Southern Tablelands council has admitted the need for CCTV upgrades amid reports of “harrowing” experiences and lawbreaking in a park.
At a recent council meeting, Goulburn Mulwaree Council agreed to investigate CCTV upgrades in Belmore Park, including potential locations for additional cameras.
In her motion, councillor Caitlin Flint urged action on the existing infrastructure.
She wrote that she was aware of reports NSW Police were “more often than not” unable to use the recordings due to poor quality or limited coverage.
“Often offenders are aware of the limited scope of the cameras and cognisant of blind spots, therefore facilitating or enabling antisocial behaviour to occur,” she alleged.
“It has become apparent that the existing infrastructure does not go any way to improving public safety … [This] motion is a step in a necessary direction to better protect all assets, private and public.”
During the discussion, councillor Bob Kirk praised the motion, saying people had raised “harrowing” experiences at the park with him.
He described it as a step towards increasing community safety in Belmore Park for residents and visitors alike.
“It is timely that the matter be brought to notice … There are existing cameras – perhaps they’re not up to speed or the technology capability now, I don’t know.
“That’s not my bag.”
The view of the popular park from Auburn Street. Image: Google Maps/Screenshot.
Councillor Jason Shephard said that while he supported the motion, there were other steps councillors could consider to further combat crime.
“There’s no point just putting cameras in. You also need to have lighting and [get] rid of hiding spots and other things.
“Things that help make our community safer are good.”
Mayor Nina Dillon also raised further consultation with local police on community safety, particularly within the park.
“As a general rule, the Goulburn community doesn’t have a high instance of crime.
“It would be very worthwhile seeing how much risk there is there. Maybe these simple methods of extra lighting and a minor upgrade [are] worthwhile, as well.”
During the discussion, councillor Daniel Strickland drew from his experience as a council representative on a CCTV committee, saying they had been told no money was allocated for cleaning the cameras.
“Once you get a spider web [on them], there’s no one to clean those cameras,” he told the meeting.
He also said comments from police indicated the park was not seen as a “hot spot, as such”, but the cameras remained useful.
“It’s part of a bigger network of cameras across the main street … [Police see it] as their high-risk area, particularly on Friday/Saturday nights and holiday seasons.”
A report on next steps (including available grant funding) is expected to be presented to the council by June 2026.
