The cameras will be positioned at Centenary Square, Church St and suburban centres under the $3 million CitySafe program.
The high definition CCTV cameras would be linked via fibre optic and wireless technology to a new operations centre where Parramatta Council staff can conduct live monitoring.
Seventeen cameras, including 14 in the new Centenary Square, are already operating and a further seven are being installed in Church St this week.
“This new network is part of our ‘Smart City’ vision to promote high technology digital communications and strategic links with key education and research centres. CCTV is also a proven deterrent to street crime and a useful tool for monitoring and controlling big crowds at major events,” Parramatta Lord Mayor, Cr Scott Lloyd said.
‘We expect 50 cameras to be operating in the CBD by mid-year, with the remaining 30 to be installed at locations including Westmead, Harris Park and Granville later this year.”
Cr Lloyd said council is also ready to assist with the implementation of any recommendations that may arise from a police safety audit of Parramatta Park following the death of Prabha Arun Kumar on March 7.
The audit will consider increased lighting, CCTV, vegetation management and other issues relevant to improving safety in the park.
“While the Parramatta Park Trust has responsibility for managing and maintaining facilities in the park, Council will continue to work with the trust and local police to see if any improvements can be made.”
Cr Lloyd said the CCTV cameras in the CBD are being installed on new multi-function poles with LED lights providing stronger lighting to further enhance street safety.
“The high-tech poles also have the capacity to carry emergency public address systems, digital signage and special event lighting.
“With Parramatta having Australia’s fastest growing night-time economy led by our booming Eat St precinct, this new CCTV network and lighting roll-out will improve the amenity and well-being of visitors to the CBD.”
Cr Lloyd said the new network had received a $1 million grant from the Federal Government’s Safer Streets program.
Cr Lloyd said the CCTV network would further improve safety in Parramatta after local police reported their quietest summer holiday period in recent years.
“An estimated 100,000 people attended New Year’s Eve and Australia Day celebrations in and around the CBD but police say there were only minor incidents involving intoxication with just one person arrested,” he said.
