Brisbane City Council deploys surveillance cameras after bushland attacks on women

Brisbane City Council has moved to enhance safety camera surveillance on popular walking trails in the bushland of the Mt Coot-tha Forest following a series of attacks on women in recent weeks.

Part of the Council’s Suburban Safety Cameras program, the new mobile and fixed cameras are the first in a new ‘rapid deployment solution’ being used following the incidents.

The Council says the cameras will provide 24/7 surveillance to increase safety and deter anti-social behaviour, with each site chosen in consultation with the Queensland Police Service (QPS).

Queensland Police have been deployed in the Mt Coot-tha Forest in an effort to find a male who has allegedly harassed women in the area with two occurrences of women having been knocked down and pinned to the ground on the walking trails in Brisbane’s western suburbs.

This has included deploying a Queensland Police helicopter following the reports of women being maliciously targeted on walking trails.

Brisbane Lord Mayor, Adrian Schrinner said he and his Council were shocked by the reported incidents, noting “I want everyone to know this behaviour will not be tolerated in a safe and friendly city like Brisbane.

“These reports have been incredibly concerning and while crime is a State Government issue, the installation of new safety cameras is one way our Council can help.

“I will always stand up for Brisbane against crime and the new cameras send a message to would-be criminals that we won’t tolerate this behaviour.

“Brisbane’s walking tracks are a key part of our incredible lifestyle and I want everyone to be able to enjoy them without fear of harassment and intimidation.

“We’re doing what we can to keep the community safe, from installing more lighting in parks, on bikeways and on footpaths, to installing new CCTV cameras and awarding safety grants for our community clubs.”

A mix of new overt and covert cameras have been installed and five new ‘keeping you safe’ camera signs fitted to increase community awareness.

The Suburban Safety Cameras program will see a further 26 mobile cameras deployed to each ward as well as a progressive rollout of additional fixed cameras at the following 10 locations:

• Forest Lake Bus Stop (100, 110 Service)

• Mount Gravatt Outlook Reserve (D0546)

• Luxworth Place, Moorooka

• Tinchi Tamba Wetlands, Boondall

• Minnippi Parkland, Murarrie

• People’s Park/West End Community Park

• Frew Park Milton

• Caxton Street, Milton

• Musgrave Park, West End

• Inala Bus Interchange

Footage captured by the cameras will be fed directed into Council’s 24/7 security room, where officers respond to each incident accordingly.

QPS North Brisbane District Police acting Inspector, Shane Hancock explained “the Queensland Police Service (QPS) is committed to ensuring the community is safe and feels safe.

“Officers from the North Brisbane District have increased the number of uniformed officers on bicycles, trail bikes, in car and on foot in the area, and will continue to conduct random patrols for the foreseeable future to ensure community safety.

“The QPS takes all reports of suspicious behaviour seriously and investigates reports on a case-by-case basis.

“Anyone who may have information which can assist in helping us keep Mount Coot-Tha safe, is urged to contact the police.”

This financial year, the Council is investing $1.85 million to enhance and grow the local go area’s CCTV network after a concerning rise in reports of youth crime.

Along with the mobile and fixed cameras, Council also operates an extensive network of CitySafe cameras in the Queen Street Mall, Council car parks, libraries, ferry terminals and some parks.

The new cameras will add to Council’s existing network of more than 3,750 safety cameras.

Images: New security signage at the entry to Mt Coot-tha Forest. Credit: Brisbane City Council.