STATE Member for Capalaba Russell Field has shared his strategy to tackle Redlands’ crime wave after a string of alarming incidents.
The region has been shaken by recent events, including the arrest of a teenager with a gold machete after a crash on Cumberland Drive, and a knife-point robbery at an Alexandra Hills business.
The community perceives a rise in crime, with a Birkdale resident noting the increase in criminal activity in recent months.
“It seems like the perpetrators are getting younger and younger and a lot more brazen,” the resident said.
“If something doesn’t change soon, it is only going to become worse.”
When asked about the state of crime in the Redlands, Mr Field acknowledged that no one understood the serious nature of the ongoing youth crime crisis in the region better than his own family.
“I want to make it very clear to residents that the revolving door of the youth crime is over,” he said.
“There will be consequences for actions.”
Mr Field emphasised the Government’s commitment to addressing youth crime through tougher laws and significant early intervention programs.
“The Making Queensland Safer Laws are now in place, and it is up to the judicial system to apply them,” he said.
“Residents understand, as I do, that justice needs to take its course, and be seen to be served.”
He highlighted key investments, including the $175 million Staying on Track program and the $100 million Gold Standard Early Intervention, aimed at changing the trajectory of at-risk youths.
Mr Field also expressed his regret over the recent Cumberland Drive incident and assured residents that the government is focused on ensuring community safety.
“I cannot express how sorry I am for those residents on Cumberland Drive who had to spend the first day of 2025 dealing with the reckless and dangerous behaviour of an out-of-control teen,” he said.
“When I was first made aware of the incident on Cumberland Drive, I made contact with the OIC of the Capalaba Police Station for more information regarding the matter.”
Mr Field has been actively engaging with local community groups and residents, meeting with them during breaks in Parliament’s sitting dates and hearings for the Justice, Integrity, and Community Safety Committee.
“Just before Christmas, I met with Sandy Murdoch who operates TRACTION, a program that provides positive role models and support to young people who are at risk of taking a negative pathway,” he said.
“These programs are here to change the trajectory of at-risk youths.”
Following the recent crime wave, former Capalaba MP Don Brown questioned the effectiveness of Mr Field’s previous strategies, calling for more effective measures and increased resources to address the growing crime problem.
“Redlands is in the grips of a Christmas crime crisis,” Mr Brown said.
“Russell Field promised a quick fix with Adult Crime, Adult Time but it has not been an effective deterrent.”
The Queensland Government is investing significantly in early intervention and prevention programs to address youth crime. Key initiatives being implemented include:
- $175 million for Staying on Track, providing 12-month post-release support to help young people transition back into the community.
- $50 million for nine Regional Reset Programs, offering intensive 24/7 support for at-risk youth.
- $80 million for Circuit Breaker Sentencing, a rehabilitation program for young offenders as an alternative to detention.
- $100 million for Gold Standard Early Intervention, which will fund community-led initiatives to reduce crime and promote education, training, and employment.
