City of Clarence has installed new CCTV cameras in Rosny bus mall, following growing community concerns over anti-social behaviour, vandalism, and littering in one of the city’s busiest public spaces.
Rosny Bus Mall is used every day by commuters, local businesses and visitors.
City of Clarence Mayor Brendan Blomeley said the upgrading of the CCTV cameras was not a decision taken lightly, but it is hoped the new cameras will reduce the anti-social behaviour and damage occurring.
“Rosny bus mall is a major public space, and people should be able to use it without feeling unsafe or intimidated,” Mayor Blomeley said.
“Unfortunately, the behaviour of a small number of people has meant we have had to invest heavily in upgrading the cameras in the area. This is a practical and necessary response.”
Mayor Blomeley said in recent months, City of Clarence has also responded to numerous cases of vandalism and damage to parks, sporting facilities, beaches and public infrastructure with crews and officers assessing or repairing damage multiple times a week.
“Only two weeks ago, a section of the Kangaroo Bay Jetty was stolen, while we’ve also recently had playground equipment damaged and stolen, and the synthetic cricket pitch at North Warrane Oval destroyed.
“Over the past six months, building and fencing equipment has been stolen from council sites, trees have been unlawfully removed in residential areas, and on multiple occasions we have had plants dug up and stolen from our open spaces.
“We are seeing repeated vandalism at key community facilities, including Rosny Skatepark.
“All of these actions mean we must spend tens-of-thousands of dollars on replacements or repairs, diverting time and resources away from being spent on projects that will help to improve the lives and wellbeing of our community.
“This is time and resources that should be going into parks, playground upgrades, sporting facilities and services, but is instead being spent on repairs, clean-ups and replacements.
“When facilities are damaged, clubs miss games, families miss out, and everyone pays for the actions of a few.
“This kind of behaviour has no place in our community and must stop.
“This is about having respect for where you live, your community, and for others.
“We have had community members asking for boom gates across roads into public spaces to curb anti-social behaviour; shutting the community out of public spaces is not something I would want to see, but it may be a necessary step in ensuring the safety and respectful use of an area.
Mayor Blomeley said City of Clarence would continue working closely with Tasmania Police and was clear about its role in addressing anti-social behaviour.
“We are not the police, but we are not going to sit back and do nothing while public spaces are repeatedly damaged and disrupted,” he said.
“If CCTV footage helps Tasmania Police identify offenders and hold them accountable, that is a positive outcome for the whole community.”
City of Clarence will continue working with Tasmania Police and the community to address anti-social behaviour and protect public spaces.
The installation of CCTV at Rosny Bus Mall is one clear step toward making the area safer and sending a strong message that vandalism and anti-social behaviour will not be tolerated.
Anyone with information regarding damage, theft or vandalism of public property is urged to report it directly to Tasmania Police or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.