Couran Cove Island Resort residents outraged over ‘disturbing’ find on South Stradbroke Island

Couran Cove residents who recently had electricity and water axed are ‘outraged’ by a new addition to the troubled island - but the resort operator says it’s for good reason.

A troubled island resort’s residents who recently had electricity and water cut off say they are now being watched by a “disturbing” camera network.

But a spokesman for Couran Cove Island Resort on South Stradbroke Island said the cameras were legally installed in common areas to help with a police investigation into the “tampering” of island infrastructure and illegal fires.

A security camera installed on a tree in the Couran Cove Island Resort. Picture: Facebook

“The cameras look into bushland where there are essential infrastructure assets that have recently been tampered with,” the spokesman said.

“The police are aware of the cameras as they are installed to assist the police with their investigations.

“It is common practice for owners of assets to use cameras to ensure that those assets are not tampered with.

“Go into any shopping centre, commercial building, strata building or council car park and you will see cameras used to protect assets.”

A resort eco cabin resident, who asked not to be named, said the cameras were scaring people living on the island.

“It has turned into a dystopian surveillance network. It is so disturbing,” he said.

“We need some police intervention or hired guards to protect our safety.

“These cameras are not here for any other reason than to frighten the s**t out of residents.”

Aerial view of Couran Cove Island Resort

The resident said there had been a spate of home break-ins on the island in recent days.

Couran Cove resident Mick Reichle said he was aware of at least three cameras that were installed in public areas of the island on Monday night.

“It feels like you are a prisoner on your own island. People are outraged,” Mr Reichle said.

Gold Coast police district acting Superintendent Scott Knowles said the installation of security cameras at the South Stradbroke Island resort was legal and they were installed following reports of recent property damage.

“The QPS has not received any complaints in relation to the installation of the cameras,” acting Supt Knowles said.

Police have encouraged the use of CCTV systems to prevent crime and make the community safer.

Police at Couran Cove Island Resort, South Stradbroke Island last year.

“CCTV has become a crucial investigative tool in modern policing. CCTV footage holdings are regularly used to investigate and solve crimes and are invaluable when used as evidence,” acting Supt Knowles said.

“It provides an unquestionable account of the identity and actions of offenders.
“CCTV images can potentially reduce investigation times, resulting in swifter outcomes and justice.

“Historically, investigators have benefited from CCTV systems in business, commercial and residential premises to solve crime.”

The camera installations follow weeks of turmoil on the island after electricity and water were disconnected to dozens of homes in Couran Cove amid allegations of millions of dollars in unpaid levies.

There are five body corporates involved on the island, with complex court proceedings playing out over the alleged unpaid fees.