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Consultation has concluded
Video Surveillance in Public Places
The City of Coffs Harbour (City) uses video surveillance, including CCTV, to help keep our community safe and protect public assets. Surveillance supports the City in:
Enhancing the safety of City staff, Councillors and the public
Protecting City assets and infrastructure from theft or damage
Deterring unlawful activity in and around City facilities and public spaces
Assisting with investigations into unlawful incidents at City-owned or operated locations
The Video Surveillance in Public Areas Policy outlines how the City uses video surveillance systems and the principles that guide their operation.
The City has recently reviewed and updated this policy and following provides details of these changes
NSW Police Access to Live CCTV
To strengthen community safety, the City has worked with the Coffs Clarence Police District on allowing Authorised NSW Police Officers to view the City’s CCTV network in real time. This requires updates to the policy and a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the City and NSW Police.
Key safeguards include:
Restricted access — Only authorised City staff and authorised NSW Police Officers can access or operate the CCTV system.
Lawful use only — CCTV footage can only be used for lawful investigations, such as detecting, investigating, or prosecuting offences.
Clear legal controls — Police access is governed by legislation, the policy, and the MOU.
Privacy protections — The policy aligns with the Privacy and Personal Information Protection Regulation 2019, which allows live CCTV transmission to NSW Police for public safety purposes.
These measures ensure that any police access is controlled, transparent, and compliant with privacy laws.
Other Key Policy Change
The revised policy also includes updates to improve clarity, transparency, and reflect current technology. These changes include:
Clearer scope — The policy now explains what it does not cover, such as workplace surveillance.
Types of surveillance — The policy lists the different video surveillance technologies used by the City.
Updated principles — The guiding principles have been refreshed to reflect current expectations and best practice.
Live‑access provisions — A new section outlines how live CCTV access may be provided to law enforcement.
Approval process — A defined process is now required before any new surveillance system is installed.
Public Exhibition
Because video surveillance operates in public spaces, the City is placing the revised policy on public exhibition. This gives the community an opportunity to review the proposed changes and provide feedback before the policy is finalised.
How you can Have Your Say
You’re invited to take a look at the Draft Video Surveillance in Public Areas Policy, along with a Summary and FAQs to help you understand what’s proposed.
📬 Posting your feedback to: Locked Bag 155, Coffs Harbour NSW 2450
📅 Submissions close on 29 March 2026
What Happens Next
After the exhibition ends, we will review any feedback and make any necessary changes to the policy. The final version will then go to Council for adoption.
Video Surveillance in Public Places
The City of Coffs Harbour (City) uses video surveillance, including CCTV, to help keep our community safe and protect public assets. Surveillance supports the City in:
Enhancing the safety of City staff, Councillors and the public
Protecting City assets and infrastructure from theft or damage
Deterring unlawful activity in and around City facilities and public spaces
Assisting with investigations into unlawful incidents at City-owned or operated locations
The Video Surveillance in Public Areas Policy outlines how the City uses video surveillance systems and the principles that guide their operation.
The City has recently reviewed and updated this policy and following provides details of these changes
NSW Police Access to Live CCTV
To strengthen community safety, the City has worked with the Coffs Clarence Police District on allowing Authorised NSW Police Officers to view the City’s CCTV network in real time. This requires updates to the policy and a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the City and NSW Police.
Key safeguards include:
Restricted access — Only authorised City staff and authorised NSW Police Officers can access or operate the CCTV system.
Lawful use only — CCTV footage can only be used for lawful investigations, such as detecting, investigating, or prosecuting offences.
Clear legal controls — Police access is governed by legislation, the policy, and the MOU.
Privacy protections — The policy aligns with the Privacy and Personal Information Protection Regulation 2019, which allows live CCTV transmission to NSW Police for public safety purposes.
These measures ensure that any police access is controlled, transparent, and compliant with privacy laws.
Other Key Policy Change
The revised policy also includes updates to improve clarity, transparency, and reflect current technology. These changes include:
Clearer scope — The policy now explains what it does not cover, such as workplace surveillance.
Types of surveillance — The policy lists the different video surveillance technologies used by the City.
Updated principles — The guiding principles have been refreshed to reflect current expectations and best practice.
Live‑access provisions — A new section outlines how live CCTV access may be provided to law enforcement.
Approval process — A defined process is now required before any new surveillance system is installed.
Public Exhibition
Because video surveillance operates in public spaces, the City is placing the revised policy on public exhibition. This gives the community an opportunity to review the proposed changes and provide feedback before the policy is finalised.
How you can Have Your Say
You’re invited to take a look at the Draft Video Surveillance in Public Areas Policy, along with a Summary and FAQs to help you understand what’s proposed.
📬 Posting your feedback to: Locked Bag 155, Coffs Harbour NSW 2450
📅 Submissions close on 29 March 2026
What Happens Next
After the exhibition ends, we will review any feedback and make any necessary changes to the policy. The final version will then go to Council for adoption.
