Melville Council Unveils Major Safety Overhaul with CCTV Rebates and Police Collaboration
The City of Melville is set to roll out a comprehensive $2.6 million community safety technology plan from 2026 to 2031, featuring financial incentives for residents to install home CCTV systems. Under the proposed scheme, property owners who participate in a pilot program linking their cameras to a city-managed network will receive a $500 rebate, while non-participants can claim $200. This initiative aims to address a noticeable increase in burglaries, theft, and property damage across the area.
Enhanced Surveillance Network and Police Partnership
As part of the safety strategy, the Melville council will consider adopting a closed-circuit TV policy, code of conduct, and a formal agreement with WA Police to share CCTV footage. This partnership, based on a memorandum of understanding reviewed by the WA Local Government Association and already adopted by approximately 19 other local governments, will grant police limited access to city-owned CCTV feeds in real time. However, access will not extend to private systems or unintegrated shopping centre networks, ensuring privacy protections.
The plan includes expanding the city's mobile CCTV fleet by about 10 units and deploying fixed cameras at 22 public locations, selected based on usage data and input from WA Police and the MelSafe community safety service. Initial sites for the rollout include Applecross jetty, Bob Gordon Reserve, Bicton Baths, and Goolugatup Heathcote Reserve, with future expansions planned for Wireless Hill and John Connell Reserve.
Addressing Safety Gaps and Community Concerns
Historically, Melville's safety efforts have relied heavily on visible patrols, with limited CCTV infrastructure primarily focused on libraries, administration buildings, and recreation centres, totaling about 160 cameras. The new plan seeks to overcome these constraints by enabling continuous, real-time monitoring to enhance patrol efficiency. Community consultation held in November and December revealed that nearly three-quarters of respondents view CCTV as crucial for safety, though privacy concerns were also noted.
To manage the rebate program, the council has been recommended to allocate $25,000 initially, with an additional $25,000 considered at a mid-year review. This conservative budget approach is designed to moderate demand and ensure access for eligible residents who would benefit most, rather than operating as an open-ended entitlement. The city has also secured $700,000 in Federal funding to support project delivery.
Comparative Context and Next Steps
Similar rebate schemes are in place in neighbouring areas: the City of Cockburn offers up to 50% of CCTV costs, capped at $500, with the next round opening on July 1, while the City of Canning provides rebates of up to $400 for various home security measures. The Melville council is scheduled to review and potentially approve its rebate scheme at a meeting on March 17, marking a significant step toward bolstering community safety through technology and collaboration.
