City of Greater Geraldton approves investigation into CCTV coverage along Beresford foreshore

City of Greater Geraldton councillors are switched on to the idea of considering CCTV coverage along the Beresford foreshore in light of recent vandalism and alarming allegations of women being indecently assaulted along the popular trail.

Council voted to approve an investigation into the feasibility of CCTV coverage along the foreshore at Tuesday night’s ordinary council meeting.

The investigation comes in the wake of four alleged indecent assaults on women walking in the area. Police believe the same man is responsible for all incidents.

City of Greater Geraldton Mayor Shane Van Styn acknowledged the alleged predator but said the CCTV proposal was not just a knee-jerk reaction to these incidents.

He outlined the recent toilet block vandalism, how the foreshore will be popular for e-scooter riders with a trial hire service given the green light and the reinstallation of the Horizon Ball as factors to consider.

“The foreshore is such a wonderful place, highly used and enjoyed by many,” Mr Van Styn said.

The investigation will consider the impact glare, wind and sea salt could have on the CCTV cameras.

Deputy mayor Jerry Clune questioned if there had been any thought given to extending the investigation beyond the Beresford foreshore.

City of Greater Geraldton CEO Ross McKim said a CCTV strategy was currently being formulated.

Options to be considered could include fixed cameras in the CBD and Beresford and the purchase of trailer-mounted cameras.

Councillors raised questions regarding how many CCTV cameras would be installed, their location and who would monitor them.

Mr McKim explained that the City itself does not monitor the footage but has the capacity to view it and there was a 30-day retention period on the data.

“Our role is to provide that footage to police,” he said.

Mr McKim said the aim of the strategy was to get all of these issues out and the City would be having these conversations.

Cr Robert Hall said the City was facing a public security and safety issue.

“We’ve got to secure our assets and gain useful evidence for a prosecution of violence and vandalism along the foreshore,” he said.

“This will be a great tool in our arsenal and police to give the public some sense of protection.”

The council has already budgeted $30,000 for one camera to be installed at the Horizon Ball location.