Having identified an urgent need to update ageing CCTV cameras in Hastings Street in order to deter criminal activity and help police catch culprits Cr Jess Phillips called on councillors at Council’s ordinary meeting to back a review of existing CCTV infrastructure along with other Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) measures.
Councillors unanimously supported Cr Phillips motion which included the review, a timeline and budget on identified works and the need for urgent action.
Cr Phillips said police statistics showed in the six months from 2 April to 2 October there had been 160 police occurrences in Hastings St.
“This includes 13 stealing from shops, nine assault occasioning bodily harm (common assault), one serious assault, six wilful damage, three enter with intent, one unlawful use of motor vehicle, four drug possessions, three public nuisance, two dangerous operation of a motor vehicle, two drink driving, 11 traffic complaints, four police obstruct, two public urination and 20 inappropriate behaviour reported in accommodation,” she said.
“The need to replace ageing infrastructure has been an issue that’s been a growing concern in the community and we cannot afford to delay action any further.
“Hastings Street is one of the hearts of shire, one of most visited precincts. Along with popularity we’ve also seen trouble rising including serious assault and a horrific fatal assault that shook our community. Residents and tourists continue to report ongoing antisocial behaviour and the situation is deteriorating. We’ve had a significant number of complaints from residents and visitors. I’ve received many emails from residents and workers who feel unsafe in that precinct. Noosa has a significant budget dedicated to tourism but we may have overlooked the critical importance of community safety. “Ageing infrastructure and malfunction of CCTV is hindering police ability to investigate and solve crimes but is also failing to deter antisocial behaviour in the first place. This is not just about reputational damage to Noosa as a tourism destination but it’s a serious concern about the safety and wellbeing of our community. It’s essential we upgrade the CCTV in this precinct and while I acknowledge we have an overall strategy I have several letters from business owners and ratepayers asking for a safer workplace.”
Cr Phillips recalled an email sent to her from an ice-cream outlet owner who was called to the shop on a Wednesday night in September by staff who were too concerned for their safety to exit the shop.
“We asked them to call the police, and while they were on their way, due to police resources unfortunately there was no answer and no response,” she was told. “We arrived to find a chaotic scene on account of intoxicated teenagers, cans bottles being thrown everywhere and for the next two hours took on the role of security and cleaner to keep our immediate area clear of violence and rubbish, also ensuring the safety of our staff.”
Cr Phillips said her motion asked council to prioritise these areas known to have high traffic.
“Enhancing CCTV coverage will enhance police investigation, it is proven to deter antisocial behaviour. I’d like to see a review of CCTV, lighting, amenities that play a part in maintaining safety in this environment,” she said. “It will send a strong message Hastings Street is a safe environment for everyone considering going there.”
In response to a question on safe night precincts in the Noosa Shire, Council CEO Larry Sengstock said when safe night precincts were being rolled out a couple of years ago council didn’t take it up but they had recently taken steps to look at a safe night precinct, including its advantages and disadvantages, for Hastings Street.
Other councillors said they had also received emails from residents and businesses regarding concerns in Hastings Street.
“We have CCTV cameras down there but as Cr Phillips says they’re ageing,” Mr Sengstock said.
“They’re not as good as we’d like them to be. This motion is asking for a review of where we’re at, what we should need, then gives us the ability to chase the funding because it’s not a cheap exercise. It’s not something we have sitting in our budgets waiting to be utilised. We need to understand where we’re at, prioritise it and go forward.”
Council discussed a strategy that was already in place to review CCTV and safety measures across the shire but staff said it wasn’t to the detail requested by Cr Phillips. They discussed whether funding for the proposed motion estimated to cost between $10,000-20,000 could come from grants or using funds within the Hastings Street levy with questions taken on notice.
Cr Stockwell said undertaking the review would come at the cost of sacrificing an existing project.
Cr Phillips, a former police officer, said as a first responder she had attended incidents in Hastings Street and relied on CCTV to detain an offender.
“I don’t want to wait to sit around for another homicide in Hastings Street and say as a council we couldn’t ask for a report to see where we’re at.
Mayor Frank Wilkie described the situation in Hastings Street as “an emerging issue that needs action”.
“We’ve all had the emails from Hastings Street Association on what’s happening down there. We’re diverting funds but it’s not done lightly.”
