Billabong founder Gordon Merchant has, apparently, upset his neighbours in the northern NSW surfside village of Angourie.
Merchant's new home - oops! correction, that should read 'MANSION' - at Angourie, which is estimated to be worth $12 million, has a video camera installed on a two-metre tower. Apparently, the camera will be used to check out the nearby surf but some of Merchant's neighbours are not so sure about that.
The Gold Coast Bulletin reports that Merchant's mansion covers four house blocks at the Pacific Parade property, just south of Yamba.
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 confirmed the council had received complaints.
"There will be a camera on top of his house but there have been investigations into that and it wasn't above any height limits," he said.
The man who founded the international clothing and accessories company Billabong on the Gold Coast in 1973 is worth an estimated $805 million and he has had a long association with Angourie and Yamba in northern NSW.Mr Merchant has invested heavily in real estate in the towns and his helicopter is often seen flying into Yamba.
While most locals welcome his involvement and the building of the massive mansion, which has provided a good kick-along to local tradesmen, it seems not all have been won over.
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