Closed-circuit television for Queenstown's town centre is essential to deter "feral" behaviour on the streets, the Queenstown Lakes District Council was told at a hearing yesterday.
Deco Backpackers owner Tim McGeorge spoke at the hearing of submissions on the council's draft 2010-11 annual plan.
"The deterioration of behaviour with the 20- to 25-year-olds has accelerated dramatically over the last five years. I installed a camera system at Deco Backpackers eight months ago. The results have been spectacular," he said.
He did not monitor the cameras but used them to identify offenders after incidents happened.
"I am able to provide first-hand experience with antisocial behaviour and reasons why we as a community are suffering," he said.
He said the council should fund CCTV implementation without delay.
The Queenstown Chamber of Commerce also made a submission calling for CCTV cameras in the town centre.
Chief executive Ann Lockhart said the cameras were essential and the implementation was more feasible with the advancement and lower cost of technology.
Maintenance of the cameras would be nominal and they could be monitored by Queenstown police when needed.
The chamber was seeking from the council a seed funding of $50,000 to introduce a pilot scheme.
She said the $50,000 could be used to introduce cameras into priority areas, including The Mall, Rees St and Village Green.
The total cost of the installation would be $150,000, which could be funded in subsequent years through targeted rates of the central business district.
Mayor Clive Geddes said the cameras would be just one way of deterring and dealing with violent crime in downtown areas.
The community guides and increased lighting were also ways of addressing the problem.
He said the councillors would make decisions next week on the submissions but were "sympathetic" to the proposal.
The chamber also sought $40,000 funding for the setting up of an economic development agency to help broaden the economic base of Queenstown.
It also made a group submission with Lakes Leisure and Destination Queenstown, calling for the council to fund $40,000 towards setting up a specific events management organisation.
About 300 submissions were received on the draft annual plan. A final plan will be drawn up and approved by the full council on June 29.
