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COMMUNITY SAFETY

Cooktown’s CCTV Camera Network

 

Cook Shire Council is committed to creating a safe, welcoming and connected community for residents, visitors and local businesses.

As part of this commitment, Council operates a Safety Camera Network (CCTV) across key public areas in Cooktown to support crime prevention, protect public assets, and assist law enforcement.

Originally installed in partnership with the Queensland Police Service in 2020, the network continues to be expanded in response to community safety priorities.

Current Camera Locations

CCTV cameras are currently installed at key intersections and high-use areas across Cooktown:

  • Charlotte Street / Harrigan Street / Boundary Street Roundabout
  • Charlotte Street and Racecourse Road Intersection
    Includes a licence plate recognition camera
  • Hope Street and Racecourse Road Intersection
    Includes a licence plate recognition camera
  • John Street Oval and toilet blocks
  • Cook Shire Council Main Administration Building
  • Cooktown Library

These locations have been identified as higher-use or higher-risk areas requiring additional monitoring and safety support.

Upcoming Expansion

Council is currently expanding the network through the:

👉 Cooktown Waterfront CCTV Safety Initiative

This project will install additional CCTV cameras across key waterfront locations including Lions Park, Endeavour Park and the Cooktown boat ramp.

Installation works are underway, with cameras to be progressively brought online (date to be confirmed).

This investment supports Council’s broader commitment to improving safety, visibility and community confidence in public spaces.

Why Council uses CCTV

Cook Shire Council uses CCTV systems for the following purposes:

  • Community safety and crime prevention
  • Protection of Council assets and infrastructure
  • Work health and safety compliance
  • Road and traffic management
  • Supporting Queensland Police Service investigations

CCTV is an important tool in deterring anti-social behaviour and assisting police in investigating incidents.

Review Council's CCTV Policy
Review Council's Privacy Policy

Privacy & Compliance

Cook Shire Council is committed to protecting personal information and ensuring the responsible use of CCTV systems across the community.

What we collect

Council’s CCTV cameras capture video footage only (no audio) in public spaces. This may include images of identifiable individuals. Footage is collected strictly for lawful and defined purposes, including community safety, crime prevention, and protection of Council assets.

Storage and retention

CCTV footage is securely stored for up to 30 days and is automatically deleted unless required for:

  • Police investigations
  • Council investigations
  • Legal proceedings (e.g. court order or subpoena)
  • A formal access request

Protecting your privacy

Council takes a privacy-first approach to CCTV operations. This includes:

  • Positioning cameras to minimise capture of private property
  • Secure storage systems with restricted access
  • Automatic deletion of footage after the retention period
  • Staff training in privacy and information handling obligations
  • Use and disclosure of footage only for lawful purposes

All CCTV locations are clearly signposted to ensure the community is aware of camera use in public areas.

Legal framework

Council collects, stores and manages CCTV footage in accordance with:

  • Local Government Act 2009 (Qld)
  • Information Privacy Act 2009 (Qld)
  • Queensland Privacy Principles (QPPs)

Access to footage

Access to CCTV footage is strictly controlled and limited to:

  • Authorised Council officers for legitimate operational purposes
  • Queensland Police Service for law enforcement
  • Courts through legal processes
  • Individuals requesting access to footage of themselves

 

Your rights

Under the Information Privacy Act 2009 (Qld), you have the right to:

  • Access personal information held about you
  • Request access to CCTV footage that shows you
  • Request correction of inaccurate information
  • Make a privacy complaint

Frequently asked questions about Council’s CCTV Network

What information do Council’s CCTV cameras collect?

Council’s CCTV cameras capture video footage only (no audio). This may include images of individuals in public spaces.

Footage is collected strictly for lawful and defined purposes, including community safety and crime prevention.

What laws govern Council’s use of CCTV?

Council collects and manages CCTV footage in accordance with:

  • Local Government Act 2009 (Qld)
  • Information Privacy Act 2009 (Qld)
  • Queensland Privacy Principles (QPPs)
How long is CCTV footage kept?

CCTV footage is securely stored for up to 30 days and is automatically deleted unless:

  • It is required for a police investigation
  • It is subject to a court order or subpoena
  • It is required for a Council investigation
  • A formal access request has been made
Who can access CCTV footage?

Access to CCTV footage is strictly controlled and limited to:

  • Authorised Council officers (for legitimate purposes)
  • Queensland Police Service (for law enforcement)
  • Courts (via subpoena or court order)
  • Individuals requesting access to footage of themselves
How does Council protect my privacy?

Cook Shire Council is committed to protecting personal information and ensuring CCTV is used responsibly.

We ensure:

  • Cameras are positioned to minimise capture of private property
  • Footage is securely stored with restricted access
  • Footage is automatically deleted after the retention period
  • Staff are trained in privacy obligations
  • Footage is only used or disclosed for lawful purposes

All CCTV locations are clearly signposted to inform the public.

What are my privacy rights?

Under the Information Privacy Act 2009 (Qld), you have the right to:

  • Know what personal information Council holds about you
  • Request access to CCTV footage that shows you
  • Request correction of inaccurate information
  • Make a privacy complaint
How can I request access to CCTV footage?

To request access:

  1. Submit your request in writing to mail@cook.qld.gov.au
  2. Include details of when and where you were recorded
  3. Provide proof of identity

Requests are processed under the Right to Information Act 2009 or Information Privacy Act 2009.

Report a Concern

If you witness suspicious behaviour or need to report an incident, please contact the appropriate service below.

Emergency

For emergencies or situations where there is an immediate threat to life or property:
Call 000

Police Assistance

For non-urgent police matters or to report a crime:
Policelink – 131 444
www.police.qld.gov.au

You can also report some incidents online via Policelink.

Crime Stoppers

To provide anonymous information about criminal activity:
Crime Stoppers – 1800 333 000
www.crimestoppersqld.com.au

Cook Shire Council

For general enquiries about Council’s CCTV network or community safety initiatives:
(07) 4082 0500
mail@cook.qld.gov.au
www.cook.qld.gov.au