Mitchell Shire Council will roll out $750,000 in CCTV improvements starting February 23, 2026, aiming to complete all Year 1 sites by June 30. The funding comes from the Strengthening Community Safety Federal Election Commitment program, spread over three years.

Mayor John Dougall said the upgrades will make residents feel safer in everyday spots. “This funding allows us to strengthen safety in high-use public areas across Mitchell Shire, including town centres, community facilities and sporting precincts,” Cr Dougall said. He added that CCTV supports welcoming spaces and builds confidence in shared areas.

The council credits Federal Member for McEwen Rob Mitchell for securing the grant. Year 1 focuses on high-activity zones with a mix of new cameras and system refreshes. “These upgrades are about prevention as much as protection,” Cr Dougall said. “By improving visibility and lighting in key locations, we’re helping to reduce fear of crime and support positive use of public spaces.”

Specific sites include the Wallara Waters and Newbridge intersection in Wallan for new CCTV. New cameras will also go up at the Camerons Lane and Paterson Road intersection in Beveridge. The Wallan Family and Children’s Centre gets an upgrade, while the Mitchell Shire Council Civic Centre in Broadford receives new external cameras.

Other locations slated for new installations are Wandong Kindergarten and Maternal and Child Health Centre, Broadford Stadium, Wallan East Kindergarten and Maternal and Child Health Centre, Bentinck Street Kindergarten in Wallan, Seymour Visitor Information Centre, Hudson Park in Kilmore and Kilmore Mall, which also includes lighting upgrades. The Wallan Customer and Library Service Centre will see CCTV upgrades, and Marie Williams Kindergarten and Maternal and Child Health Centre in Kilmore maintains its existing setup.

Council officials described the initiative as part of broader efforts to support vibrant public spaces. The program addresses community demands for better surveillance in busy areas, where foot traffic peaks during events, school hours and leisure activities. Installation crews will work during off-peak times to minimize disruptions, according to council statements.

Local leaders expect the cameras to deter incidents and aid police investigations. Enhanced lighting at select sites like Kilmore Mall will pair with the cameras for round-the-clock coverage. Residents can track progress through council updates on the Mitchell Shire website.

The shire, located north of Melbourne, spans towns like Wallan, Broadford, Kilmore, Seymour and Beveridge. Population growth has strained public facilities, making safety investments a priority. This federal funding fills gaps in local budgets, officials said.