CCTV cameras turned off in electricity dispute

Gosford Council has turned off CCTV cameras in Ettalong and is looking to relocate them, after a dispute with a property owner over payment for electricity used by the cameras.

Council's acting director of City Services Mr Peter Armour said the council had been presented with a $600 bill from Energy Australia.

Mr Armour claimed the council was being asked to pay the electricity bill for the whole premises, including air conditioning, and not just the CCTV cameras.

The cameras are located on property owned by Mr Jerry Altavilla in Ocean View Rd.

One camera points toward the Ettalong town centre and another is on the corner of Ocean View Rd and Schnapper Rd.

"There was an agreement signed by Mr Altavilla allowing Council to connect a CCTV camera to Mr Altavilla's property dated January 27, 2009," according to Mr Armour.

"This agreement allowed Mr Altavilla to be reimbursed for electricity usage in relation to the CCTV camera, upon receipt of an invoice.

"Mr Altavilla claims the electricity bill is entirely for power usage of the CCTV camera."

Mr Armour said the council was willing to pay according to the agreement, but was not prepared to pay the total electricity bill which included electricity for the premises and air conditioning.

He said that, if the dispute could not be resolved, the council would have to look elsewhere to mount the cameras.

Media statement, 29 Aug 2012

Peter Armour, Gosford Council