A REDLANDS mother is calling for practical safety improvements after claiming her 13-year-old son was assaulted and robbed at Thornlands Skate Park.
The alleged incident was followed only days later by another alleged attack involving a 15-year-old boy, reigniting community concerns about youth safety at the popular park.
Victoria, who wanted her surname withheld, said her son had been scooting with friends after school and was preparing to head home when three older teenagers approached him.
She claimed one grabbed his scooter and tried to pull it from his hands.
When he resisted, she claimed he was punched in the face.
She said the offenders took the scooter to a waiting car before returning to taunt him.
“He’s a confident kid, and something like this really knocks you,” Victoria said.
“But he’s resilient.
“He knows this isn’t normal behaviour.
“It’s just incredibly disappointing.”
She said her son suffered bruising and a sore jaw in the attack.
The family reported the assault and theft to police, but the custom-built scooter has not been recovered.
She said her first reaction wasn’t anger, but concern for her son’s wellbeing.
“It’s that moment when your child loses a bit of innocence,” Victoria said.
“My focus was on his mental and physical health.
“Items can be replaced. People can’t.”
When Victoria later learned of a second alleged assault at the same skate park, she said it highlighted a growing sense of aggression among some young people.
“A skate park should be a fun place to hang out with your friends,” she said.
“Kids shouldn’t have to wonder who’s there or whether it’s safe.
“We all want our community to be a safe place for everyone.”
While many parents have reacted with outrage, she hopes the community shifts towards constructive solutions rather than fear.
“Anger doesn’t help, compassion does,” she said.
“We need more connection, not more separation.
“Most people are good. Most people do the right thing.
“But opportunity makes the difference. If it’s dark, if no one can see, things happen.”
Victoria believes better lighting, cameras and community-led youth programs would make the biggest impact.
She points to Mount Cotton Skate Park as a positive example, with lighting and cameras that improve visibility without taking away young people’s freedom.
“Kids still need to come here,” she said.
“They need spaces to be themselves.
“We just need to support them.
“Drive past, check in, send an older sibling.
“Waiting until police get involved is too late.”
Federal Member for Oodgeroo Amanda Stoker recently highlighted the importance of community engagement around safety issues at the skate park.
In a social media post following a visit to Thornlands Skate Park with Cleveland Police last week, Ms Stoker wrote:
“Community safety starts with strong local relationships.”
“A good afternoon last week at Thornlands Skatepark with Cleveland Police, giving locals the chance to meet officers, ask questions and raise the issues that matter.”
In a statement, Redland City Council said crime detection, investigation and prosecution remained the responsibility of the Queensland Government through the Queensland Police Service.
However, Council said it worked closely with local police on proactive community education and awareness initiatives, including a recent safety engagement event held at Thornlands Skate Park on May 1.
Council said requests for temporary security cameras in public spaces were assessed based on suitability, need and Queensland Police Service crime data to ensure a balanced use of resources.
The statement comes as Council formally adopted the Redlands Coast Community Safety Action Plan 2026-2028 at its General Meeting last Wednesday.
Council said the new strategy established a framework to strengthen community safety programs and initiatives while clearly defining Council’s role as distinct from Queensland Police.
“The plan … articulates the important partnership Council has with Queensland Police in supporting community safety outcomes to deliver practical, lasting improvements,” the statement said.
Council also urged residents to report all incidents of anti-social behaviour directly to Queensland Police Service.
