In 1998 I paid for, installed and still maintain
a web camera overlooking Four Mile Beach. Many,
including the tourism association board, felt
that the installation ‘would not benefit
tourism’. Today, web cameras have become a
standard to promote tourism throughout Australia
and the world. CCTV footage while not promoting
the region can be very useful to solve
misdemeanours to violent attacks. The local
police would be appreciative if CCTV cameras
were installed. Early morning hours when the
pubs close can become the ‘wild wild East’ on
our streets. Surveillance of the streets in
Mossman can also be beneficial.
CCTV and other important investments comes down
to available dollars and community support.
This debate has two sides of consideration:
sending a signal that our streets are not safe
or, our streets are safe due to surveillance.
I’m certain that one day the CCTV cameras will
be installed but for the present we need to
focus on gaining strong financial footing for
the shire. If installation occurs I would
encourage that one or more cameras be dedicated
to displaying downtown Port Douglas on web sites
promoting the region.
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