‘Smart poles’ have been installed at four beaches in the region, as Surf Life Saving Queensland expands its safety network.
Emergency response beacons have been introduced near Stumers Creek at Coolum Beach, near the Maroochy River mouth at Maroochydore, and at Alexandria Bay and Noosa North Shore.
The arrival of the equipment, which includes video cameras, sparked kickback from some beachgoers on social media.
But SLSQ said the initiative, backed by local councils, would strengthen emergency response capabilities and improve public safety at “key coastal black spot locations”.
A press release stated that their installation marked “a significant step forward in the use of technology to support lifesaving operations and community safety”.
The devices are equipped with built-in help points that allow people to contact SLSQ’s State Operations and Communications Centre in an emergency.
Live video feeds of the water, from the poles, are streamed to the centre, enabling operators to assess incidents in real time and coordinate a faster, more effective response.
The smart poles also feature public announcement systems, allowing lifesavers and lifeguards to remotely communicate warnings and safety messages to beachgoers.
Each site also includes public rescue equipment, empowering bystanders to assist in emergencies while professional help is on the way.
The beacons were built to withstand extreme weather conditions. They use solar power.
SLSQ general manager emergency management and public safety Matt Thompson said the smart poles would enhance coverage.
“This project demonstrates the value of collaboration between SLSQ, SLSA and our federal, state and local government partners,” he said.
“Together, we’re investing in innovative solutions that will deliver lasting safety benefits for coastal communities.
“Importantly, these beacons don’t just support our lifesavers and lifeguards: they also empower members of the public.
“The integrated help points and rescue equipment can make a critical difference in the early moments of an emergency.
“As Queensland’s coastline continues to attract millions of residents and visitors each year, it’s vital that we continue to invest in technologies that enhance public safety and support effective emergency response, particularly at unpatrolled locations.
“We’re proud to see the Coastal Safety Network continue to grow, replacing temporary infrastructure with permanent, purpose-built assets designed to operate reliably in some of the harshest coastal conditions.”
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At Alexandria Bay and Stumers Creek, the smart poles provide coverage in areas with known communication challenges. The Maroochy River installation delivers enhanced visibility of the river entrance and surrounding beach environment, while the Noosa North Shore beacon replaces temporary infrastructure in a remote location.
“Several of these new locations were identified because of known communication or surveillance gaps,” Mr Thompson said.
“The installations at Alexandra Bay, Stumers Creek and the Maroochy River significantly improve our situational awareness and operational capability in areas where coverage was previously limited,” Thompson said.
Smart poles are already in place at two locations in north Queensland and will soon be installed at a beach on North Stradbroke Island.
Some beachgoers voiced their concerns.
“Big brother everywhere. Can we just go back to the 80s and not be filmed and photographed everywhere we go. The energy/feeling this equipment conjures up is extremely negative. This world is becoming a very sad controlled place,” Bree Logie said via a community Facebook page.
“I understand it’s there for public safety but I can’t help feeling we’re losing more and more privacy in public spaces. I’d rather see funding spent on more lifeguards and beach patrols than more cameras watching us. Human eyes, local knowledge and a physical presence seem far more valuable than another surveillance pole. Give jobs to locals,” Tamri Acacia said.
“I also believe it’s an invasion of privacy. We don’t need cameras. Nobody had cameras on the beach before and why now? If we accept this, it’s going to continue,” Ginger Megs added.
But the majority of comments were supportive.
“I don’t have a problem with it and, as a woman, it’s only going to make me feel safer. Even better if life savers can access it,” Kristy-Lea Hungerford said.
“It’s there to help save humans and marine life. It’s incredible we have this technology.” Jaylene Farrell said.
“We could … look at the big picture and appreciate the positive and safety aspects,” Michael Goss said. “I actually think this is a great idea … protecting swimmers,” Jaclyn Kelly said.
David Holman, who said he was a member of a local surf lifesaving club, said the beacons could be vital.
“We regularly patrol up to Stumers. However, we cannot be there all the time,” he said.
“There have been drownings at Stumers Creek. It is a very dangerous piece of beach. SLSQ is only interested in saving lives.”
