Cairns Regional Council CEO, Lyn Russell, has denied a request from Port Douglas Chamber of Commerce to install CCTV cameras in town.

The Chamber believes CCTV cameras will help prevent incidents such as vandalism and violence, and assist police in prosecuting offenders. However, in a letter to Chamber, Ms Russell said the Council's Community Safety Committee deemed the project too costly.

"There are currently some physical and logistical barriers, which prevent the successful expansion of the cameras into Port Douglas," the letter read.

"At the moment we do not have coaxial or fibre optic links into the district and the use of IP addressable cameras is currently cost prohibitive."

The committe did, however, recognise the benefit of the security system.

"(The committee) acknowledge the benefits and influence cameras can have on the perceptions of safety in the area they operate."

Chamber board member, Doug Calvert, said he was unhappy with the decision and would discuss it further at the next Chamber meeting.

"It's just part of town security, it's just really disappointing.

"I'm just not confident on them (Council) giving us anything. It's a no money Council for us."

Port Douglas Police Officer-in-Charge Sergeant Damian Meadows was unavailable for comment, however it is believed that CCTV footage taken from a private camera last month has led to the arrest of two suspects who allegedly committed stealing offenses on Macrossan Street.

Ms Russell suggested other less expensive options may be available in the absence of CCTV cameras including fixed cameras and/or mobile cameras deployed to "problem areas," however these are not monitored constantly (CCTV cameras are) and are used only to review an incident.