Ararat Rural City Council invests in extra surveillance cameras for aquatic and recreation centre

Ararat Fitness Centre’s CCTV network has been expanded with three new surveillance cameras installed as a result of an Ararat Rural City Council survey finding most community members supported the idea.

Ararat Council received over 240 responses to the Ararat Fitness Centre redevelopment survey in addition to conducting face-to-face consultations with key user groups, local sporting clubs, disability advocacy forums, schools, and Centre staff.

Advising that the security enhancements at the facility will provide further protections alongside the basketball precinct, Council Chief Executive, Dr Tim Harrison stated “future plans for Ararat Fitness Centre are continually being re-examined and improved through the lens of community safety.

“Our community now has an additional layer of security when visiting the Ararat Fitness Centre, with three new CCTV cameras installed at the entrance and along the basketball court areas of the facility.

“Council’s goal was to situate these devices in suitable areas around the centre to enhance community safety and security across the Centre, meaning help is never too far away.”

Dr Harrison was pleased to see such a strong response from our community on the future of the Centre and noted that there are more upgrades to come, adding “the initial review of the Ararat Fitness Centre helped us understand community experiences better, particularly those of young people and parents in our community.

“Next steps include a revision of the design plans for the Centre’s foyer and changeroom facilities.

“We’re investing in the upgrade of the Fitness Centre to modernise the facilities, making them more accessible and inclusive for our community.”

Dr Harrison emphasised that the CCTV cameras will be managed with due regard to the privacy of individual members of the public.

Ararat Fitness Centre offers a 25-metre heated indoor swimming pool, a dry sauna and spa, group fitness classes and swimming lessons, and hosts sporting activities such as gymnastics, futsal and basketball. The Ararat Olympic Outdoor Pool also comes under the centre's management.

Images of the Ararat Fitness Centre courtesy of Ararat Rural City Council.