Arabic version: سلطة مياه جولد كوست تنفذ كاميرات مراقبة لمراقبة القوارب غير القانونية
The Gold Coast Waterways Authority (GCWA) is set to install a network of surveillance cameras across the Gold Coast waterways to combat the growing issue of illegal boating. This decision follows the removal of more than 400 unregistered and unseaworthy vessels in the past five years, which has become increasingly costly for the authorities. According to ABC News, the GCWA chief executive Chris Derksema stated that the constant influx of unregistered boats necessitated this action.
The new camera system will monitor areas where boat owners are allowed to anchor for up to seven days. Those who exceed this limit will receive removal notices and have 14 days to respond. Derksema emphasized that while most boaters comply with the rules, the surveillance will help identify and address non-compliant vessels more effectively.
Removing abandoned boats has proven to be a complex and expensive process, costing the GCWA approximately $260,000 in the last year alone. If the owners cannot be located, the authority may resort to selling or crushing these vessels. The installation of cameras aims to enhance the safety and cleanliness of the waterways, particularly as boat usage has surged in recent years due to COVID-19 and the housing crisis.
Community advocacy groups, such as Hooked on Water Inc, have long criticized the environmental and safety risks posed by derelict boats. Chair Sonya Underdahl expressed that the presence of these vessels tarnishes the Gold Coast’s image as a premier tourist destination, urging for timely removal of non-compliant boats.
However, the increased surveillance has raised privacy concerns. Michael Cope, president of the Queensland Council for Civil Liberties, questioned the justification for this level of monitoring, suggesting it could infringe on personal privacy. He called for transparency regarding the use and storage of footage captured by the cameras, stressing that individuals should be informed about how their images would be managed.
