CCTV to watch out for most vulnerable residents

Security will be beefed up for some of the Coast's most vulnerable residents in response to incidents that have threatened their safety.

St Vincent de Paul Queensland society Annette Baker, northern diocesan president John Harrison and Fairfax Mp Ted O'Brien announce CCTV camera funding. Picture: Stuart Cumming

SECURITY will be beefed up for some of the Coast's most vulnerable residents in response to incidents that have threatened their safety.

CCTV cameras will be installed at St Vincent de Paul's Maroochydore, Nambour and Parrearra community housing complexes.

St Vincent de Paul Queensland society vice-president Annette Baker said residents had asked for cameras after having unwelcome visitors, particularly at night.

"I think it doesn't matter what part of the Coast you live in, we would all realise that there is a group of people who wander the streets at night and most of them, they are not up to any good,” Mrs Baker said.

"People are vulnerable when people can just walk in your yard, walk up your steps and along your veranda.”

CCTV cameras will add to security measures at St Vincent de Paul's Maroochydore community housing property. Picture: Stuart Cumming

She said she was grateful for a $28,000 federal grant to install the cameras.

Her organisation is currently providing housing for 41 people at Nambour, nine at Maroochydore and 17 at Parrearra.

She said at any time there were more than 800 people sleeping rough on the Sunshine Coast.

"The people we care for are the people who are in the greatest need.

"There are a lot of them, we certainly do not have enough housing.”

Member for Fairfax Ted O'Brien said the cameras would hopefully prevent violence, drug crimes and anti-social behaviour.

"The Sunshine Coast, as beautiful of a place as this is, we too have our safety issues,” Mr O'Brien said.

"CCTV are a part of the broader suite of measures that we need to bring to bear.”