Thirty years of a safer Ipswich celebrated

Thirty years of a safer Ipswich celebrated

06 January 2025

Ipswich City Council has marked 30 years since its Safe City program turned on the first public safety cameras to actively reduce and deter crime across the city.

Ipswich Mayor Teresa Harding said Safe City has grown significantly from nine cameras in 1994 to now having almost 400 cameras actively tackling crime and improving public safety.

"Safe City was ahead of its time - Ipswich was one of the first cities in Queensland to implement public safety surveillance cameras," Mayor Harding said.

"These cameras first went live on 24 December 1994. Since then, Safe City has been actively working to prevent crime through its camera network and program, live streaming footage directly to Queensland Police Service.

"Ipswich City Council is still leading the way for other councils, with many recognising the system as one of the best-known public surveillance systems.

"Safe City has been the backbone of Ipswich's security measures. Residents can feel peace of mind when moving through public spaces or parking their car in public carparks, knowing that surveillance cameras can capture suspicious activity.

"On average, Safe City operators contact police with valuable information 5,000 times per year. Often, the difference between a guilty and innocent plea in court is the evidence gathered from these cameras.

"Their work never stops. The operators have worked diligently 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, for the last 30 years proactively working with the community and agencies, such as Queensland Police to make Ipswich a safer place.

"There have been many instances of residents being helped through these cameras. In one notable instance, Safe City cameras once alerted emergency services to a woman who had fallen down a bank and broken her leg.

"There's nothing we want more than for our residents to be safe in the city that they call home, and these cameras have helped build a more harmonious city."

Minister for Police and Emergency Services Dan Purdie said Safe City was a valuable resource for overworked frontline police.

"Crime is costing our communities which is why investing in critical safety measures to deter offenders is a priority for the Crisafulli Government," Minister Purdie said.

"Ipswich has set a benchmark with its expansive Safe City camera network, and I commend all involved in the success of this 30-year project.

"Our hardworking police are stretched further than ever before, so it is vital we continue to support them through means like these."

Ipswich City Council Community and Sport Committee Chairperson Councillor Jacob Madsen said the cameras have played a significant role in keeping Ipswich residents safe.

"The state-of-the-art camera network has been recognised for its high standard of public safety monitoring and caught the attention of international law enforcement, with numerous visits over the years," Cr Madsen said.

"It's great to know the community has benefitted tremendously over the last 30 years through these camera systems.

"Over the next 30 years, the system will only get better. As the city grows, so will the need for more cameras. We look forward to continuing our partnership with Queensland Police Service."

Safe City cameras monitor public spaces through more than 360 cameras in more than 15 suburbs across Ipswich.

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