Hastings Street CCTV upgrade goes live

The installation of new CCTV cameras along Hastings Street has been completed, expanding the security camera coverage to now include the bus interchange at Noosa Heads.

Noosa Mayor Tony Wellington and Federal Member for Wide Bay Llew O’Brien officially activated the upgraded system today.

 Noosa Council received $155,920 from the Australian Government’s Safer Communities Fund for the project that includes the supply of better, higher quality equipment. 12 existing fixed and panning CCTV 24-hour colour cameras have been installed near the car park adjacent to the Noosa Surf Club as well as at the taxi rank. Plus two additional cameras will now monitor the bus interchange.

 Noosa Mayor Tony Wellington said the upgrade also includes the installation of a new server and larger monitor within the Hastings Street Police Beat. This will give police the ability to view live and recorded footage over a period of up to 30 days from all the linked cameras.

The new system also incorporates number-plate recognition technology.

 “It is important to ensure that the Hastings Street Precinct continues to remain a safe, secure destination with low levels of crime and anti-social behaviour,” the Mayor said.

 “While the rate of crime throughout the Hastings Street precinct is far from concerning, the upgraded system will allow police to act with more precision and speed.”

 Federal Member for Wide Bay Llew O’Brien – a former police officer – said CCTV cameras act as a great deterrent.

 “The presence of CCTV cameras cause would-be criminals to think twice before engaging in anti-social behaviour as the likelihood of being caught is high,” Mr O’Brien said.

“Whether people are going about their business, shopping, out to dinner with friends or enjoying a night out along Hastings Street, the new CCTV cameras provide an extra layer of security to protect them and their property.”

Officer in Charge, Acting Senior Sergeant Holmes welcomed the upgrade of the camera system stating the Queensland Police Service had worked in partnership with Noosa Council and other stakeholders to bring the project to fruition.

“The evidentiary value that the upgraded cameras provide will greatly assist in the successful prosecution of offences in the Hastings Street precinct and ultimately deliver a safer environment for the general public,” Snr Sgt Holmes said.

Hastings Street Association spokesperson Shane Harvey has been actively involved in the project and congratulated Noosa Council on securing the Federal Government grant.

“This security upgrade is important to help maintain and enhance the safety of the local community and those who visit us here in Noosa,” Mr Harvey said.

“We’re committed to ensuring that the Hastings Street precinct remains a safe, family-friendly tourist destination, and that the low level of crime and violence in this key tourism area continues.”

24 January 2019