Decommissioning of the Goolwa Wharf webcam
The Goolwa Wharf webcam has been permanently decommissioned following a review of the technology and infrastructure supporting the service.
The webcam had been available to the community since 2010, providing a live view of the Goolwa Wharf area for community members and visitors. While the physical camera was replaced in 2022, the broader technology and infrastructure supporting the service had become outdated.
As part of Council’s ongoing cyber security program, an external security assessment identified vulnerabilities associated with the ageing webcam technology and supporting infrastructure. The existing system could no longer be operated to the security standard required to appropriately protect Council’s network and systems.
Given the age and limitations of the technology, these issues could not be adequately resolved without replacing the service and its supporting infrastructure. Council therefore made the decision to permanently decommission the webcam.
We understand the webcam was enjoyed by members of the community and visitors who used it to check conditions and activity around Goolwa Wharf and appreciate that some people will be disappointed that the service is no longer available.
The decision reflects Council’s responsibility to appropriately manage cyber security risks and protect its digital environment.
FAQs
The webcam has been permanently decommissioned following an external security assessment which identified cyber security vulnerabilities associated with its ageing technology and infrastructure. The existing system could no longer be operated to the security standard required to appropriately protect Council’s network and systems.
The webcam was reviewed as part of Council’s broader cyber security testing program. The review identified vulnerabilities with the technology and infrastructure supporting the service, which prompted Council to decommission it.
The technology supporting the webcam was ageing and had reached the point where it could not support the security requirements needed to continue providing the service safely. Addressing the issues would require replacement of the existing service and supporting infrastructure.
The existing Goolwa Wharf webcam has been permanently decommissioned. There is currently no replacement service planned.
The webcam was decommissioned following a technical and security review of the service. At the time, information about the change was updated through Council’s online channels. Following enquiries from members of the community, Council has now provided some additional information about the reasons for the decision.
Yes. Council appreciates that the webcam was regularly used by some community members and visitors to view weather conditions and activity around Goolwa Wharf. We understand its removal is disappointing for people who enjoyed using the service.
Public webcams operating in other South Australian coastal locations may be provided by State Government, councils or other organisations for a range of purposes and using different technology and infrastructure.
Council’s decision relates specifically to the former Goolwa Wharf webcam and the security vulnerabilities identified with the technology and infrastructure supporting that service. Council is not in a position to comment on the technical or security arrangements of webcam services operated by other organisations.
Re-establishing a public webcam at Goolwa Wharf would require consideration of a new service and its associated technology, infrastructure, security and ongoing management requirements. There is currently no proposal to replace the former Goolwa Wharf webcam.