Newcastle Liberal councillor Jenny Barrie has called for the forthcoming Beaumont Street CCTV trial to be extended to Awaba Park, citing unruly behaviour in the green space near Hamilton Station. Work began on Monday on a $290,000 revamp of the park, which includes ambient and security lighting, increased visibility, landscaping, new seating, and an improved donation cupboard.
The NSW government contributed $80,000 to the project, with the City of Newcastle covering $210,000 through its capital works program. The CCTV trial, announced last month, is a partnership between the council and state government along Beaumont Street, funded half by the NSW government and half by the Hamilton Business Improvement Association. However, the cameras will not be installed in Awaba Park.
At a press conference in Awaba Park, councillors from different parties debated the merits of CCTV versus park design. Cr Barrie, who led the push for the CCTV trial, said she hoped the park improvements would encourage community events but believed cameras were needed to address drug use and fights. 'We want people to come into this park and have it as a park, not just a feeding service,' she said.
Greens councillor Joel Pringle argued that improving the park through design principles would be more effective than CCTV, citing evidence that cameras do not increase community safety or prevent crime. Labor councillor Paige Johnson disagreed, saying CCTV would make people feel safer, referencing research from other councils. Labor MP Tim Crakanthorp supported a multifaceted approach, including increased policing, mental health services, and homelessness support.
Improvements to Awaba Park are expected to be complete by mid-2026, with access to Hamilton Train Station remaining available during construction.
