Photo of a public toilet at Cronulla’s Shelly Beach has infuriated Australian women
Photo of a public toilet at Shelly Beach in Cronulla has enraged Australian women
- The municipality installs a surf camera in view of a public women’s locker room
- Locals were stunned when they saw pictures from the camera just outside the rooms
A decision to hang surf cameras outside a locker room has led to fears it could provide a full view of the women’s room and showers.
The cameras were placed atop a block of changing rooms in South Sydney’s Cronulla’s Oak Park to monitor surfing conditions at Shelly Beach.
A local woman posted an image from the cameras on Facebook, saying she “couldn’t have believed it” if she hadn’t seen it herself.
She claimed to have “walked back in and out three times” to make sure she actually saw the security cameras.
The cameras were placed atop a block of changing rooms in South Sydney’s Cronulla’s Oak Park to monitor surfing conditions at Shelly Beach (pictured)
The woman claimed to have ‘got no pleasure from contacting Sutherland Shire Council’ about moving or changing the cameras so they could not offer any chance to peek into the changing rooms.
“The problem we have here is simply that this huge camera is installed on top of the wall of the women’s bathrooms, showers and changing rooms,” the woman wrote.
“If I can see that whole black camera with my eyes, while I’m standing here, then he can see me.
“This is a space where women shower, walk around naked, change clothes and also shower their little children, and in the summer it’s crowded.
“All we want here is to feel safe. And I’m sorry, but this isn’t it.’
The post sparked local support for changing the camera’s position, with many baffled by photos.
“I’d laugh if it wasn’t real, unbelievable,” one person wrote
“Stupidity at its best,” wrote another.
A local woman posted an image from the cameras to Facebook, saying she “couldn’t have believed it” if she hadn’t seen it for herself (pictured)
The mayor of the Sutherland Shire, Carmelo Pesce, said the cameras were “obscured at the end where the changing rooms are” but will change his position to ensure women feel safe
Sutherland Shire Mayor Carmelo Pesce took to Facebook to respond to locals’ concerns, saying the cameras could not see into changing rooms.
“The camera is obscured at the end where the changing rooms are,” Mr Pesco wrote.
He also confirmed that the council would change the position of the cameras to “stop the perception” that women’s and children’s privacy could be violated.
“In response to concerns from some local residents, the council is planning to install additional screens behind the camera and/or adjust its position,” a Sutherland Shire Council spokesperson told Yahoo.
“(The additional screening will) provide further reassurance to those using this amenity block, and to combat further misconceptions about the use of surveillance at this location.”