The property management of Southgate on the banks of the Yarra in Melbourne have decided to acquiesce to popular public demand and from the PM to remove the no photography signs around the Southgate precinct. But there have been reports in the news media that the management has employed security guards to deter public from taking photographs. Mostly amateur photographers are being asked to delete the snaps, in a very determined way by the guards.
So by removing the signs, the principle is still being followed. The Southgate building has got a Food Court which is obviously for public use, a shopping mall and is a very popular strip leading to the Crown Casino. So they can make money using the public, but ban photos, all in the name of terror activities. Bah !!
In this electronic day and age, Google Earth can easily provide photos and information about streets and buildings in any part of the world, but a harmless photo of the Southgate building will provide most valuable information about the precinct (if you are prepared to believe the management). So why term the area as a public area and then don’t let the people use it ? If members of the public misuse it, then obviously the management can enforce fines for littering, spitting and drunken behaviour etc. But to term shooting photos in a class of vandalism and terrorism is pure nonsense.
August 2, 2006 at 9:24 am
banning photos? it’s kinda weird … is it only in Melbourne?
August 2, 2006 at 12:35 pm
At the time of initial report the property management group that handles the Southgate building controls nearly 250 such buildings across Australia, they planeed to enforce the rules all over them.