Billabong founder Gordon Merchant has run into a little trouble while building his AUS$12 million beach house in “the tiny NSW wave haven of Angourie” New South Wales, Australia, according to a story on Goldcoast.au.com. And it all centers around a two-meter tall pole Merchant has erected to hold a camera that would allow him to check the surf from anywhere in the world.
A letter sent to The Gold Coast Bulletin outlined residents’ concerns over the camera that will sit atop the roof of the three-storey beach house. . . . “We residents feel our privacy infringed, as this camera peers into our living and bedrooms 24 hours a day,” said the local, who wished to remain anonymous. . . . Residents also believe the pole is above height restrictions for the area.
Clarence Valley Council Mayor Richie Williamson is quoted as saying the city council has received complaints, however he says the “The property developer has said if there are any privacy concerns over the camera they would modify the design.”
Since a pole surf cam is something we’ve thought about many times we have an idea for Gordon: put the camera on a telescoping pole that will up-periscope when you want to check the surf and then hide away when you’re not using it. And don’t put it up until well after the house is completed and the neighbors are no longer nosing around. Then no one will be the wiser and you can thrust your pole into the sky as high as you want.
[Link: Goldcoast.au.com]
