Yesterday we outlined calls for a CCTV system had resurfaced to ensure the safety of people and businesses in Port Douglas.  In part two of our report, we speak with Douglas Shire Council candidates, who outline their views on the issue before the November 9 local election.

Michael Kerr
“When I was first informed of the varying violent incidents that occurred on Macrossan Street over the weekend, my immediate response was to hit my Facebook site with the following statement.

"Two nasty events on the main street of Port Douglas that I have just heard about this last weekend. What must tourists think seeing dried pools of blood on our main street. Whilst I am fully in agreement to an entertainment district. I unfortunately believe the need for CCTV comes hand in hand. People need to be accountable.”

There was some very strong agreement to this comment. Though since then, I have started thinking about how many incidents have I heard about? Are we over stating a problem or is the small amount of incidents a year too many? Our local drinking establishments have, by their own accord, all installed CCTV in their venues, so many of these perpetrators can be identified from this footage which is available for the police to obtain.

Incidents which happen further away from the drinking establishments could be identified by street CCTV. So how far do we go, all of Macrossan Street, Warner Street, Murphy Street, Grant Street and Wharf Street? It wasn’t that long ago the cemetery was vandalised, do we CCTV there as well? Then what about the adjoining parklands? There are endless amount of areas that these violent incidents could occur. Do we need to re-light all these areas so that the cameras can see more than just shadows?

We are not like other areas that have numerous twenty four hour venues that clearly warrant monitored CCTV. We have one, sometimes two venues that are open past midnight.

Perhaps a more sensible answer would be for Council to work with these venues and the local police. Many of these more obvious weekends, where there are larger amount of people out
celebrating, can be managed by ensuring that the correct resources are there. Pursuing extra budget allowance to ensure there is police presence on the street on these occasions.

Other aims: Confirm through the Liquor Licensing that venue staff are all trained appropriately and operating correctly, so responsible service of alcohol is adhered to, ensuring guests are corrected before becoming intoxicated; make sure security staff are ensuring that intoxicated persons are not entering licensed venues. There are many other venues, both licensed and home addresses, to start the evening’s entertainment. Many Cairns venues also scan ID, so it is on file for that evening.

Most importantly to me, though, is easy, efficient and cost-effective transport to move these people away from town and to their accommodation quickly and easily. Too many times I hear of people having to walk home as there were no taxis or buses. This, in itself, causes frustration, anger and boredom. Early morning loitering is a recipe for disaster.

I do not believe that this infrequent serious violence will be assisted by spending rate payer money on CCTV cameras in the main street. When there is a population increase to the region, the odds are that some event will happen. I would rather stop it before it happens instead of getting a video of it happening. If successful, in my bid for council, I welcome joining discussions with the Local Liquor Accord to assist in ideas to continue limiting any future occurrences.”

Roy Weavers
“The security of both our visitors and local residents is a very high priority to me.  I know from previous discussions with our local police they are very much in favour of CCTV in the key problem areas.

As a councillor, I would support the implementation of cameras wherever it is thought appropriate , subject to further consultation with the local police and budget availability.

Having seen first-hand through The Newsport how effective CCTV cameras are in assisting the police to produce fast arrests, it is very difficult to argue against their importance in modern day law enforcement. 

We want the streets of the new Douglas Shire, especially in the evenings, to continue to enjoy the global reputation of being safe and secure.

We shouldn't underestimate how important feeling safe whilst on holiday is.  It’s a very high priority for our visitors, many of whom come from the big cities where the experience of feeling safe walking home from the restaurant or pub is not a given.

This safe haven of ours is another reason why people love to come to our little corner of paradise and anything we can do to maintain that safety should be a priority.”

Abigail Noli
“I personally have seen the effectiveness of CCTV, when a few years ago, there was a crime spree in central Mossman which finished in my sister's house.  Thanks to private CCTV and the contributions of good local people the criminals were captured and most stolen objects returned (including those of my sister).
 
There is no doubt they work, so the questions are:
Are they really necessary here in the Douglas Shire?  Unfortunately I would say yes, because if anyone has had anything stolen, it is more than just losing something.  Often there is an accompanying feeling of being violated and also of fear in what might happen in the future especially if the crooks haven't been caught.

How should they be funded? Concerning funding that is a tricky question to answer until I can fully understand the costs.  If I was a business owner, personally, I would install CCTV myself and not expect Council funding.  As the owner, I would feel a certain obligation to myself to be as safe and 'insured' as possible, people must also take a certain amount of responsibility for themselves.
 
When crime follows onto the footpaths then a community has the responsibility to look after its citizens.  I love my shire and this includes the residents so their safety should be paramount.  Maybe funding and installation could be a mid-term project especially if in the beginning funds are hard to come by.  If anyone has any good suggestions about how to combat this problem or any suggestions for the future Douglas Shire they can have a say at abigailnoli.com on the feedback page.”
 
Bruce Clarke
“We all know there is an escalation of crime in recent times in North Queensland. Cairns has a CCTV network which was set up by the Cairns Regional Council and is monitored by the Police. This is a good setup. However, I believe a similar system in Douglas Shire would be great, but not wholly funded by the Council.

The Mossman Bowls Club has its own CCTV system which was funded and is maintained by the club. This system has been successful in helping the police apprehend past perpetrators around the club.
I believe if business operators in the Douglas Shire are concerned about crime in or around their premises, they should follow the example of the Mossman Bowls Club and install their own systems. No doubt, there are businesses who have already done this, and they should be congratulated.

Having said this, I believe Douglas Shire Council should be responsible for a network of CCTV cameras in strategic places around the shire that can't be covered by private businesses.

The most important change that will help deter crime is the complete restructure of our antiquated judicial system.”

Christine Price

“CCTV has both a set up cost and an ongoing recurrent operating cost. These costs can make it expensive to implement and maintain, although very modern systems tend to need less monitoring and can be used as back reference tools if a crime has already been committed.
 
There is evidence that the appearance of CCTV (or even dummy) systems reduces crime and also makes the general law-abiding public feel safer in specific areas.

Even more evidence (Welsh and Farrington 2004) shows that increasing street lighting together with CCTV may have a greater impact especially in car parks and shopping areas.

While the research shows that these systems are not as effective at deterring the crimes that we are most fearful of - interpersonal violence or crimes involving drugs or alcohol. The Gold Coast experience has been no reduction in these crimes, but a greater detection rate.

Relating to my view that the Community needs a voice, I would certainly advocate a Community Crime Forum, similar to the Townsville model, which would include community stakeholders, including police, business and representatives from our indigenous community.
 
Since the Jill Meagher murder (in Melbourne), the Federal Government has announced more funding for CCTV systems. I would encourage our council to apply for this funding, based on the fact that we are a major tourist area and want to maintain our status as a safe destination. This also encompasses the resident population as needing year round confidence in our safety and security.”

David Carey
“Crime prevention and maintenance of a safe urban environment are important issues for any community.

Any initiatives directed at reducing crime and/or improving safety in our community would need to be appropriate to the extent of the problem being experienced. Ill-informed or hasty responses need to be avoided.

CCTV cameras may not be as expensive to install and operate as they once were, however their cost/benefit would need to be carefully considered. Almost certainly they would only be considered in the context of a broader crime prevention strategy developed in collaboration with all appropriate stakeholders, in particular the Queensland Police Service and more particularly its Community Safety and Crime Prevention Branch whose expertise would have to be enlisted.

Any action which is contemplated would, by necessity, have to have strong regard for the Queensland guidelines for Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design and the National Crime Prevention Framework. The latter suggests crime prevention initiatives “should be supported on the basis that they are shown to target factors known to influence crime, are consistent with proven or promising practice, and adhere to best practice in implementation”.

A priority for me, should I be elected to the Council, is widespread engagement of the community to develop a Community Plan. Such a plan will focus the Council on the issues which are important to the community as we progress into the future.

If public safety and crime prevention are highlighted as issues of such importance that it is expected the Council can and should respond with the direct provision of resources, including financial resources and in co-operating with police and other appropriate organisations, then I would support that sort of action.”

Richard Lavender
“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.”