Public safety speaker system rolled out in Melbourne

Melbourne CBD has received a new public address speaker system to help improve safety during emergencies.

The new 130-speaker network is part of the Victorian Government’s $50 million investment to increase security in and around the Melbourne CBD in the wake of the Bourke Street tragedy.

Police can operate the speakers during serious emergencies as one of the many ways authorities can communicate with the public during incidents. These include a range of scenarios that pose immediate risk to the community such as terrorism, hijackings, sieges or riots.

Minister for Police Lisa Neville and Victoria Police North West Metro Assistant Commissioner Stephen Leane attended the first city-wide test of the new technology located across 65 sites in the Melbourne CBD.

Police officers were posted at each of the 65 sites to provide reassurance to the community and answer any questions about the test.

“The security upgrade to Melbourne CBD will help protect people who live, work and visit our wonderful city,” said Minister for Police Lisa Neville.

“The new speaker system is part of a major program of security works that includes a massive CCTV expansion, establishment of the public alert system and security upgrades at key locations — to give people timely information in the case of an emergency.

“While we hope this system is never used, it gives our police and emergency services the tools they need to keep people informed and safe.”

The government is also rolling out security upgrades at key sites across the CBD and surrounding areas, including Bourke Street Mall, Flinders Street Station, as well as other sites across the city.

Bollards and planter boxes have been installed in Bourke Street Mall, with works to commence at Flinders Street Station later this year, and other sites to follow.

The full speaker rollout of an additional 30 sites is expected to be installed by the end of the year, bringing the total to 95 sites that will form the speaker network across the CBD.

The City of Melbourne’s CCTV network is also being expanded from 65 to 95 sites to provide even more coverage across the city, including Southbank and Docklands.

The government’s Community Safety Statement 2018/19 sets out priorities to give police the powers, equipment and technology they need to prevent and disrupt crime and keep Victorians safe. This includes reforms to better respond to and prevent terrorism and serious and organised crime.

Image credit: ©stock.adobe.com/au/Coloures-Pic

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