By Callum Ludwig
Township groups were often entrusted as the recipients of the grants for CCTV cameras in the Yarra Ranges but also left with the cost of their upkeep and upgrades.
Despite often supporting the camera network, the changing nature of township group membership and committees, combined with the financial burden for only a group of volunteers, meant these groups could not be responsible for keeping the cameras running alone.
Millgrove Residents’ Action Group (MRAG) Project Coordinator Jan Burney said in 2024 she attended a township meeting hosted by Yarra Ranges Council on behalf of MRAG which provided a presentation by two local police officers in relation to the CCTV.
“At the time Millgrove was one of a few townships where the CCTV cameras were still active and although these cameras were not continuously monitored, as some of the bigger townships were, footage could be drawn from the devices when required,” she said.
“There was some conversation about the poor maintenance due to the exclusivity of parts, and the high expense charged by the original installers, there was no way to go to the ‘free market’ for cheaper prices due to lack of competency in this sphere of work, however, it seemed there may be one individual that was willing to repair the devices.
“The police made clear there were assault incidents in Mooroolbark where investigations would have been greatly assisted had the camera been working and many other places, where cameras would be very helpful.”
The Warburton Advancement League (WAL) would welcome the return of CCTV cameras in the township.
Vice President of WAL David Pratt said he believes there’s not only an opportunity for law enforcement but to support sustainable tourism in the township.
“We absolutely, 100 per cent support them, as we know, most of the antisocial behaviours that occur are occurring late at night when we see loads of people that are on their way up to Mount Donna Buang and up to the Ten Mile Car Park, which is an activity the police constantly have to try and curtail and the camera network hopefully will support,” he said.
“I think the impact of having them would be quite considerable because those cameras in town have the ability to pick up number plate recognition which is an important element and we do know that there is a desperate need for cameras on Mount Donna Buang where they could also function as snow cams.
“Snow in winter in Warburton does occur, but it doesn’t hang around for the longest period of time so right now we’re relying on local knowledge…as our mayor has mentioned many times, tourism is only expected to double over the next decade so we can then use that camera network to be able to put some messaging about delays ahead or to please drive safely.”
The Seville Township Group has been putting in $250 a year for cameras and advocating for them, especially since the vandalism of the Seville War Memorial.
Vice President of the Seville Township Group Sue McMurdie said they have been waiting so long and it’s been gut-wrenching.
“All the work we put into obtaining and building the wall memorial was enormous and then to have it vandalised and not be able to have any indication as to who did it was heartbreaking,” she said.
“The War Memorial subcommittee of the township group has been trying so hard to find out what is actually going on with the funding that was originally given to have a camera go in for us and we’re still struggling to know why we can’t get any answers and why it’s taken so long.
“Cameras would incredibly welcomed, unbelievably welcomed, we just would be so delighted and so relieved to know that this promised item was being delivered.”
The WHYLD (Woori Yallock, Hoddles Creek, Yellingbo, Launching Place and Don Valley) Community Group and the Yarra Junction Community Group were contacted for comment.
