The City of Port Phillip has rolled out mobile CCTV cameras in parks under the banner of “Dog Watch,” targeting off-leash dogs and owners who fail to clean up after them. At Hewison Reserve, Balaclava, a roving camera is being used to monitor compliance — the footage isn’t recorded but streamed live to animal management officers. Council says it’s about encouraging responsible behaviour.

No one denies that dog mess is unpleasant, and a handful of careless owners spoil it for many. But is this really the community’s top priority? Complaints about off-leash dogs numbered barely ten last year. Meanwhile, residents have been calling — loudly — for better lighting, CCTV in laneways, and Victoria Police support to address thefts, assaults, and antisocial behaviour. Those requests have been sidelined. Why? Because they don’t generate revenue. Dog Cam does.

So, who made this decision? Were councillors consulted, or was this driven by bureaucracy alone? If the latter, is the CEO deaf to the public fury over neglected retail strips, rising crime concerns, and the very roundtable outcome that has made zero difference to date, why are safe streets still not a priority? Instead, we now have resources redirected into monitoring dogs.

What is the real cost of this exercise — staff time, set-up, enforcement? How will revenue even be collected when by the time a local laws officer arrives, the dog owner has already left the park? And will the council disclose in its financial reports exactly how much revenue is raised from this exercise, or is transparency another casualty?

The perception is clear: instead of advocating for genuine community safety, the City of Port Phillip is leaning into revenue-raising pet projects dressed up as compliance. Ratepayers deserve answers, disclosure, and above all, a council that prioritises community safety over fine collection. When is Council going to focus on excessive expenditure instead of finding any measure to raise additional revenue, which will be marginal at best?