Closed-circuit television (CCTV)
Our approach to CCTV cameras in public places
We have CCTV cameras in some of our key public places. It is one tool we use to keep you safe and prevent crime. There is also a rapid deployment CCTV trailer that can be used by Victoria Police at different locations across Port Phillip.
We are responsible for the infrastructure associated with the system. Victoria Police are responsible for the day-to-day operation of the cameras and monitoring of the network. Victoria Police own all footage.
Closed-circuit CCTV is a crime prevention tool which assists Victoria Police with incident response, crime management surveillance and other legitimate policing functions.
New Public Place CCTV Precincts in Port Phillip
Council's advocacy during the 2025 federal election campaign has resulted in a signed agreement with the Australian Government for a $1.5 million CCTV grant. This recent milestone means our Council can now forge ahead to rollout new CCTV cameras in key activity precincts over the next two years.
We will be expanding the existing Port Phillip public CCTV network, with Carlisle Street (Balaclava), Clarendon/Coventry Streets (South Melbourne) and Bay Street (Port Melbourne) as proposed locations. Each site's assessment will include seeking feedback this year from community members, including traders, and Victoria Police.
Part of the funding (about $150,000) will also allow us to buy a second mobile CCTV trailer to be deployed by Victoria Police this year.
Steps in the Public Place CCTV Expansion Project
The CCTV Expansion Project is designed as a staged process to ensure all evidence, feasibility, governance and engagement requirements are met before installation begins. The project involves:
Year 1 2026: Research, feasibility and engagement
- Precinct assessments and data gathering (Feb–Apr 2026)
Site-based safety audits with Police and Business Associations, Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design assessments, feasibility studies, and initial community information sessions to review local issues. - Community engagement on proposed locations (Aug–Sept 2026)
Testing and refining proposed CCTV locations through place‑based walks, in‑person sessions, online interactive maps, and targeted outreach.
Year 2 2027: Installation
The rollout will occur in stages across the three precincts. After installing the cameras and infrastructure, we’ll integrate the system with Victoria Police and complete all technical, privacy and quality testing before each camera goes live.
The current network sits across St Kilda precincts covering Fitzroy Street, Little Grey and Grey streets, St Kilda foreshore and Acland Street. Council is investing in planned renewal of these precincts this year.
Public Place CCTV is one of the tools we use to help keep our community safer and to prevent crime. By creating a sense of safety, CCTV can encourage more people to visit public spaces and contribute to a more vibrant and connected local community. It also assists Victoria Police with crime management surveillance and incident responses.
Details about community information sessions will be provided soon. Visit Community Safety for updates.
Locations with CCTV
The CCTV cameras are located in:
- Fitzroy Street, St Kilda
- Little Grey and Grey Streets, St Kilda
- The St Kilda Foreshore
- The Acland Street, St Kilda Entertainment Precinct
There are clear signs erected in the areas where Public Place CCTV cameras operate.
Protecting your privacy
We take your privacy seriously. There are signs near the cameras and on the mobile CCTV trailer to advise they are in operation. There are policies and procedures to ensure:
- Individual privacy and rights are protected.
- Cameras are only used for their designated purpose.
Footage storage and access
All footage captured is transferred in real-time to St Kilda Police Station where Victoria Police monitor it.
Recorded footage and images are kept for 31 days. Footage is destroyed if no request to view or access the footage was made during this period.
There are strict protocols and procedures to safeguard the integrity and accountability of the data.
All data is stored in a remote off-site location within a secure and monitored building with limited access to people.
Access to the data and the CCTV network is audited and evaluated on a regular basis and is also subject to random state government and privacy commission audits.
Requests for CCTV footage from the public in relation to a criminal matter should be directed to:
St Kilda Police Station
92 Chapel Street, St Kilda, VIC 3182
CCTV Renewal Project
The City of Port Phillip reviews its assets on a regular basis and is proactively working to ensure the municipality’s CCTV system functions appropriately and is well-maintained.
In 2024, Council made provision to fund the renewal of the existing CCTV network. This project has commenced in 2025 and will run over several years. For more information about the renewal project please see these Frequently Asked Questions
Policies and procedures
Our Public Place CCTV Policy guides Council’s decisions about proposed installations of CCTV in public places.
The Public Place CCTV Network Code of Practice describes how we manage our network of CCTV in public places.