Shoalhaven Greens MP councillor Amanda Findley said the way the state government has changed regulations to bypass further litigation was poor management of NSW affairs.

“In their rush to become heroes the Liberal party locally, that is Gareth Ward, pushed things forward so quickly that they didn’t understand what protocols were needed in the first place.

“Now we have had the legal action because of the protocols not being in place and instead of responding rationally in court they used their bullying power once again and have compounded the problem.

“They had an opportunity to straighten this issue out once and for all and make CCTV operation fit the purpose and be a useful part of comprehensive crime prevention.

“But they ignored that and went with popular opinion,” Cr Findley said.

Kiama MP Gareth Ward said he was delighted that the motion was defeated.

“Clearly the Greens would rather side with criminals than law abiding citizens,” Mr Ward said.

“The Greens have once again shown how spectacularly out of touch they are with the overwhelming majority of the community.

“If you are doing nothing wrong, you have nothing to hide.

“Having lobbied state MLCs over the weekend, I am delighted with this result which will ensure that councils continue to have the power to install and operate CCTV,” Mr Ward said.