Nearly three quarters of the survey’s respondents said they avoided certain areas of Shepparton due to safety concerns.
The feedback, which was delivered as part of a survey looking at CCTV and community perceptions of safety, will help to shape Greater Shepparton City Council’s safety strategy.
At its June meeting, council received a report outlining the status and future directions for the region’s Safer City Camera Network.
The report comes after council’s February meeting, where councillors decided to undertake a review of the network, which included public consultation, assessment of future expansion options and a review of council’s current memorandum of understanding with police.
Council carried a motion at its June meeting to partner with law enforcement and justice and community groups to develop a community safety strategy and update relevant Safer City Camera Network documents, including the memorandum of understanding, by the end of 2025.
City of Greater Shepparton Mayor Shane Sali said the review and consultation process provided valuable insights into community perceptions of safety and the role of CCTV.
“We asked the community to tell us how safe they feel and how this system could be improved, and they responded in strong numbers,” he said.
“We heard that while CCTV is an important part of the solution, people also want to see more lighting, greater police presence and cleaner, more vibrant public spaces.
“This feedback will guide the next steps for our safety strategy.”
Cr Fern Summer who moved the motion, said it was clear council had “a lot more work to do in the space”.
“I hope that this can be the beginning of a stronger stance against crime and general feelings of safety in our region,” she said.
Cr Anthony Brophy who seconded the motion, acknowledged the extra costs associated with upgrading the system; however, he said it was something Shepparton needed.
“This will be a massive upgrade in the future ... it’s like Neighbourhood Watch on steroids,” he said.
The Safer City Camera Network, which is monitored by police 24 hours a day, includes 60 CCTV cameras across Shepparton’s CBD, Victoria Park Lake and Shepparton Sports City, and was established in 2012 as a partnership between council and police.
