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Chamber calls for CCTV support BY ALEX PURCELL WITH the completion of Cooroy’s multi-million dollar playground just around the corner, the Cooroy Chamber of Commerce is planning to extend the town’s CCTV coverage to the playground. Several years ago, the Chamber, courtesy of a Federal Government grant, installed a CCTV network throughout the Cooroy CBD of 31 strategically placed cameras, including three with automatic number plate recognition. Cooroy Chamber of Commerce President Chris Bell said the Chamber recently applied for a further grant to install six additional cameras in the playground, that would connect with the existing network. “Unfortunately, the Chamber has been advised that we were unsuccessful. “It seems that we could well be victims of our own success as there are other communities with no CCTV network whatsoever, that are considered to be more in need than we are. “In other words, they want what Cooroy already has, and who can blame them?”
Despite missing out on the grant money, Chris said the Chamber was fully committed to extending the coverage to the new playground and its surrounds. “The existing cameras across Cooroy do a fabulous job at keeping undesirables out of our town. “It is, therefore, our intention to do whatever we can to continue this with new cameras providing coverage for children and families who use the amazing playground. “The new cameras will help keep everyone who uses the attraction safe. It is as simple as that.” Cooroy Police said they were supportive of the initiative and Noosa Council is working with the Chamber to enable the installation of the new CCTV cameras. “Police support the initiative by the Cooroy Chamber of Commerce to fund cameras that are linked to the current system in order to deter criminal damage and predatory behaviour,” said Cooroy Police Sergeant Mal Scott. Acting Noosa Council CEO Larry Sengstock said Council was working col-
Cooroy Chamber of Commerce is keen to extend the local CCTV coverage to include the new playground.
laboratively with the Cooroy Chamber of Commerce to enable the installation of CCTV cameras in the Hinterland Playground to complement the existing cameras in the CBD. “We are looking forward to opening this unique
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nature-based playground to the community in late March in time for the school holidays,“ he said. The Cooroy Chamber of Commerce is now calling on local businesses that might be interested in sponsoring these state-of-the-art
cameras. “The cameras we are planning to install will not only be activated after hours by the presence of intruders but as a deterrent, a warning light will activate. The system will also have the ability to play a pre-recorded ‘we are watching you' style of message," Mr Bell said. “There is no doubt that these cameras will help keep our town and its infrastructure safe”. The Chamber is hoping to secure sponsors from local businesses for each of the six cameras to be installed. “Since putting the idea out there at the Cooroy Community Forum, which was hosted last year by the Bendigo Bank at the Memorial Hall, we have already had two businesses approach us who are keen to get involved in the absence of the grant funding. “That time is now. "In total, the installation is going to cost the Chamber well in excess of $20,000.” Any local businesses that would like to sponsor a camera for the new playground CCTV system can contact Chris Bell on 0412 043 843.
Beware of the bitumen bandits COOROY Police are warning people living on rural properties in the Noosa Hinterland areas of Cooroy, Pomona, Eumundi and Kenilworth to be aware of unscrupulous bitumen layers who are giving out on-thespot quotations and putting pressure on vulnerable people to commit to work that either is not commenced, or commenced and completed to a very poor standard. Recent letter box drops, and people observed taking photographs of rural properties, have been reported to police. Officer in Charge at Cooroy Police, Sergeant Mal Scott, urged caution. “Please thoroughly check the credentials of any persons purporting to be licensed bitumen layers and do not hand over any money prior to all work being completed. Preferably, seek the advice of a trusted friend or professional person knowledgeable in this area before engaging these people for driveway or other work. “Please report any suspicious activities to the Cooroy, Pomona or Eumundi Police or via Crimestoppers on 1800 333 000.”
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www.sunnycoastaccountants.com.au Cooroy Rag, 02 March 2022 - Page
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