A councillor is calling for improved safety along one of the region’s most iconic streets amid continued concerns from local businesses and residents.
Noosa councillor Jessica Phillips moved a notified motion at the October 17 Ordinary Meeting to address “ageing” CCTV infrastructure along Hastings Street.
The former police officer would like to see the camera infrastructure replaced or supplemented within the precinct.
It comes just weeks after police conducted a four-week operation targeting antisocial behaviour during the September-October school holidays.
During the operation officers dealt with a range of incidents including alleged assaults, wilful damage and stealing.
Cr Phillips said recent feedback from the community and local businesses had raised concerns about safety due to gaps in the CCTV coverage and limited visibility during peak periods.
“One of the issues raised has been on ensuring that our community feels safe and secure, particularly in areas like the Hastings Street precinct,” the councillor told Sunshine Coast News.
“At last week’s ordinary meeting, I presented a very strong notified motion on the prioritisation of ageing CCTV be addressed in the precinct to not only deter antisocial behaviour but to ensure that our council’s infrastructure in this area is well maintained.
“Our community deserves a level of reassurance that their safety is a top priority by all stakeholders that have a level responsibility.
“Installing and maintaining CCTV in key locations will not only provide a deterrent to inappropriate conduct but also support our efforts to preserve the safety and integrity of Hastings Street and the reputation of Noosa being a safe place to visit and live.”
Cr Phillips has requested the CEO provide a report to a future council meeting outlining a review of existing infrastructure and a timeline and estimated budget for the identified works.
Noosa Council has confirmed to SCN it will conduct a review of existing CCTV cameras in Hastings Street to gauge what improvements were required in the precinct.
CEO Larry Sengstock said the report formed part of a shire-wide review of CCTV operations and would focus on critical infrastructure including lighting, signage and cameras.
“We have CCTV cameras in the precinct but it’s important to ensure they remain effective, as it is one of the key strategies that can help retain the safe reputation of our community,” he said.
CCTV cameras along Hastings Street were first installed in 2010 and the network was last updated in January 2019.
Late last year Noosa Council was also spearheading a push to the state government to deliver a Safe Night Precinct in Noosa Heads.
The LNP has announced it would implement the initiative, which would incorporate the Hastings Street and Noosa Junction precincts.
The Hastings Street Association, which acts on behalf of local businesses, has been contacted for comment.
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