Brisbane City Council has deployed new safety cameras to Mount Coot-tha following a rise in concerning incidents along popular walking trails.
The new mobile and fixed cameras are the first in a new “rapid deployment solution” which is part of the Council’s Suburban Safety Cameras program. It 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.
The Queensland Police helicopter was recently deployed to search the foothills of Mount Coot-tha following reports of women being maliciously targeted on walking trails.
“A number of women reported seeing a man who behaved strangely and in an intimidating manner,” said an online social media post.
“In one instance he aggressively tore a branch off a tree as a woman was running by. He was also seen drawing ‘pentagrams’ on the ground. This was reported to police.
“Description is of a tall thin male with a moustache wearing black clothing and a black cap.”
The latest incident was the fourth in less than two months on the popular 1,600-hectare Mt Coot-tha Reserve.
On 7 June, a woman was jogging on the Maculata Track at Mount Coot-Tha when she was pushed to the ground and held down by a man. Her attacker reportedly fled the scene after hearing the footsteps of another jogger.
Brisbane Lord Mayor, Adrian Schrinner said he and his Council were shocked by the reported incidents.
“I want everyone to know this behaviour will not be tolerated in a safe and friendly city like Brisbane,” he said.
“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.
“The Queensland Police Service (QPS) is committed to ensuring the community is safe and feels safe,” said North Brisbane District Police Acting Inspector Shane Hancock.
“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.
