WELLINGTON Point councillor Wendy Boglary wants council to change its security camera policy, approved only in July.
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Cr Boglary said she was frustrated and disappointed with the policy, which she had pushed to have written.
Her efforts have support from Wellington Point resident Suzi Ireland who has started a petition to call for council to amend the policy to include anti-social behaviour.
In July, Cr Boglary had asked for the policy to refer to security cameras being used to address anti-social behaviour but the change was not supported by a majority of councillors.
The policy that was approved says security cameras can be used to protect property against crime like vandalism, theft and graffiti on council property, local law infringements such as illegal dumping and parking, and interactions between the public and staff in and around council buildings.
The policy says that security cameras will not be prioritised by council to address anti-social behaviour or traffic offences.
Cr Boglary said the policy allowed cameras only to be used to protect council assets which was happening before it was approved.
“What is required to enhance community safety was a policy that allowed cameras to be used for anti-social behaviour,” Cr Boglary said.
“Even though crime prevention is primarily the role of state and federal government local councils are increasingly becoming involved in the development and implementation of community-level crime prevention programs.
“To provide a proactive and reactive response to crime and safety every other south-east Queensland council has included antisocial behaviour in their policies.”
Cr Boglary said residents who reported anti-social behaviour like hooning to the police, should keep records and email them to her.
“Council will then have a record showing the areas so council can discuss the issues with police and lobby the state government for funding,” she said.
“Hopefully this data will also convince my fellow councillors to allow cameras to be used for anti-social behaviour.”
Cr Boglary said she understood cameras were only one tool to decrease anti-social behaviour.
She said the policy needed to be amended in time for council to apply for state government grants that could be available next year for projects like cameras.
In July Wellington Point residents addressed a council meeting saying they had seen drug deals, hooning, fires lit on walkways, signs broken and rubbish left on the jetty. The residents asked for CCTV in public areas to address the issues.
