Man fined for damaging Council CCTV to avoid detection

A man has copped $1171 in court penalties for throwing a Livingstone Shire Council surveillance camera in the ocean, after he was fined for driving on the beach.

The motorist was originally fined $275 by Council in February after he was caught on camera driving on Mulambin Beach, which is prohibited under Local Law.

The Yeppoon Magistrates Court heard the man returned to the scene after receiving the fine and threw the camera in the ocean.

A resident walking along the beach found the surveillance equipment and returned it to Council.

The man was then prosecuted by Queensland Police for wilful damage.

He was fined $500 by the court and ordered to pay $671 in restitution for the damaged camera.

The man was then fined another $275 by Council for driving on the beach a second time to damage the camera.

Councillor Andrea Friend, Portfolio Holder of Water, Waste Management and Environment, said the incident was disappointing.

“There is clear signage warning motorists not to drive on Mulambin Beach, yet it was deliberately ignored in this case,” Cr Friend said.

“Council often has multiple cameras installed at one location, so destroying equipment doesn’t guarantee you won’t be caught.

“The Local Law is in place for a reason. Turtles nest along the beach and rare shorebirds visit the area. We also want to ensure dunes and vegetation are protected as well as community safety.

“If motorists want to enjoy the beach, they are permitted to drive on Farnborough Beach to the north of the Bangalee vehicle access.”