Australian councils across the nation are heavily investing in digital transformations to raise the prospects of regional prosperity and promote safer spaces.
The development of Bradfield, New South Wales’ first new settlement in over 100 years, demonstrates how state governments envision smart cities as the future of the nation’s growth.
Regional councils are taking an interest in the project and noting how to leverage technology to address some of the more pressing concerns in their areas. Rising crime throughout Australia’s towns and cities has officials seeking more effective solutions to create a safer living environment, amongst other considerations such as disaster resilience and road safety.
Councils currently use their observation technology predominantly to identify offenders for criminal activity in public spaces. This reactive approach may no longer be viable considering the growing numbers and sophistication of incidents.
Projects like Bradfield aim to implement advanced security video technologies to support a proactive security strategy in response, which officials and authorities could use as inspiration to reevaluate their current safety infrastructure. However, understanding how smart cities will use their video security technologies can help councils appreciate the value of these assets for responding to citizen concerns and improving public spaces.
Safe space investment
Recent investment from the Queensland Government in safety improvements across south-east and far north communities underscores the push towards technology to create safer spaces. The $10.3 million investment will help 10 councils renovate public spaces and incorporate technologies to promote better community safety.
Specifically mentioned in the investment plan is to expand the use of video security networks across councils, such as Brisbane City, where crime has steadily risen over the past five years. The new hardware will likely include hardware with advanced observation capabilities to help authorities take a more proactive approach to crime.
However, expanding use of video security cameras doesn’t necessarily mean a sole focus on preventing malicious activity. Increasingly, councils can use the devices for other applications such as improved disaster response, environmental safety and continuous infrastructure improvements.
Newer video security devices often include hardware assisted by artificial intelligence (AI), helping councils deliver more on their election promises with limited available resources. That notion, in itself, highlights how they are getting more value from their investment.
Video security value
Smart cities are implementing AI CCTV cameras to help meet their various targets of quality of life improvements, along with increased safety and security. While most Australian councils don’t have the same technological infrastructure as new developments, their goals for better public spaces align.
As mentioned above, rolling out advanced video security systems has a greater impact on public improvements than simply enabling authorities to detect and respond to crimes faster. Many devices have sensors that can improve disaster resilience, observe environmental quality and enhance productivity in council-led operations.
While every Australian council has its unique concerns and considerations, the scalable, adaptive and flexible features of advanced video security networks provide the greatest benefit. When local government resources are limited, regional administrators shouldn’t underestimate the value of AI-assisted technology.
Their versatile applications can help address some of the most pressing council issues, such as improving operational efficiency, enhancing agency coordination and addressing public safety gaps. Councils can leverage their value as a primary asset to achieve goals for their communities.
Better communities through proactivity
A recent NSW local summit concluded that the future of council service delivery is “powered by data, AI and trust.” If officials were to deliver on that notion, they would need to implement hardware that resembles current smart city developments, helping ensure a better quality of life, improved productivity and greater transparency.
As expectations continue to rise among the Australian public, there’s increased pressure on councils to deliver more for citizens, similar to how the private sector offers, even when resources are limited. The true value Australian councils receive from modern CCTV systems is their ability to improve workflows and provide better community support across public spaces.
The technology facilitates a more proactive growth strategy, helping officials and authorities identify and address areas for improvement. From public infrastructure inspections to preventative safety measures, expanded video security networks can be a vital asset towards delivering on council mandates.
