A temporary CCTV camera was installed at Point Cartwright to catch and deter vandals, not dog walkers, Sunshine Coast Council says.
Social media lit up last week when regular users of the Point Cartwright beach highlighted the new camera, drawing complaints on a popular page for dog owners.
The council caused division late last year when it made changes to off-leash dog zones in the area, which caused many to believe the CCTV cameras were installed to catch dog walkers.
In a statement, Sunshine Coast Council said it was not related.
“In response to ongoing vandalism to signage in the Point Cartwright area, Sunshine Coast Council has installed a temporary closed circuit television (CCTV) camera,” a council spokesperson said.
“The camera provides the ability for any identified vandalism to be reported to the Queensland Police Service.
“The damage started in late December 2023 and has been ongoing.
“Council is committed to protecting people and assets in and around council property, and where necessary CCTV surveillance systems will be utilised.
“Council’s primary use of CCTV is to discourage and/or detect unlawful behaviour.”
The spokesperson said the camera’s recordings were only accessed by authorised personnel.
“The information collected may be provided to agencies like the Queensland Police Service for law enforcement purposes,” they said.
“Personal information will not be given to any other person or agency unless required by law. Any personal information is handled in accordance with the Information Privacy Act 2009.”
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