CCTV, improved lighting among new MCG security changes

New measures will be installed at the MCG in a security upgrade to improve surveillance and help keep fans safe after dark. It comes after vicious brawls which marred AFL matches last year.

New security measures have been implemented at the MCG. Picture: Alex Coppel

Beefed up CCTV and improved lighting will be installed at the MCG in a security upgrade to improve public safety.

New 24-hour cameras and LED light poles will be installed in Yarra Park outside the MCG to improve surveillance and help keep fans safe after dark. The Melbourne Cricket Club will today announce the installation of the 12 solar-powered light poles and cameras.

MCG DELAY WARNING FOR FOOTY FANS

STADIUM ANTI-TERROR UPGRADES ON HOLD

Footage will be monitored by MCC security and shared with police as requested.

It comes amid terror fears and after a spate of violent incidents at Melbourne sporting events in the past year.

MCC chief executive Stuart Fox said Energy Australia helped develop the technology.

Bag checks are among the existing security measures. Picture: Martin Keep

“Improving safety in Yarra Park is very important to us and we’re pleased to work with EnergyAustralia on this energy-themed initiative to help deliver a safer environment for local residents, MCG fans and other park users,” he said.

If it proves successful, more light poles will be installed around the stadium.

“Spilling more light onto certain sections of the Yarra Park walkways and its immediate surrounds is going to make people feel safer and more at ease,” he said.

The MCG is already one of the safest stadiums in the world with every fan undergoing bag checks and hand held metal detector checks at gates.

Terror attacks in Paris in 2015, including on the Stade de France, prompted the MCC to ban public parking in Yarra Park on big match days. Fans are also urged to leave bags at home or use clear plastic bags.

The new lighting and camera surveillance — between gates two and three — is the latest safety measure.

The new moves are set to prevent violence and protect sports fans. Picture: Martin Keep

It is also aimed at preventing violence, such as brawls that marred AFL matches last year and a vicious attack during the finals that left a man with serious facial injuries and another with a broken arm.

Installation of the lights and cameras began on Tuesday.

EnergyAustralia managing director Catherine Tanna said it made sense to upgrade security in Yarra Park, which hosted fun runs, family outings and pre-footy picnics as well as providing a vantage point for New Year’s Eve fireworks.

TIGER FAN ACCUSES MCC OF ASSAULT COVER-UP

PIES FANS CLASH IN UGLY ANZAC DAY SCUFFLE

“Yarra Park is a great public asset and we hope that this lighting project will make it that much more accessible for all Australians, no matter the season or the time of day,” Ms Tanna said.

It is estimated the solar-powered lighting will offset 1.3 tonnes of carbon a year, equal to that generated by an average home over four months.

[e-mail]