REDLAND City Council has come under fire after deciding not to apply for State Government funding to improve safety at Thornlands Community Park despite repeated vandalism, antisocial behaviour and ongoing complaints from nearby residents.
State Member for Redlands Rebecca Young said she had repeatedly urged Council to apply for grants of up to $400,000 through the State Government’s Secure Communities Partnership Program to fund CCTV, lighting, bollards and other crime prevention measures.
Council said it did not apply because there were no eligible projects within its approved capital works program that met the funding criteria, and any new infrastructure would also create significant ongoing operational and maintenance costs.
The issue has again been thrust into the spotlight after Division 3 councillor Paul Gollé wrote to Council officers ahead of last week’s quarterly strategic meeting with Queensland Police, saying the situation had become urgent.
Cr Gollé said residents continued to report repeated vandalism, late-night vehicle access, suspected alcohol and drug use, and what they believed was an inadequate response to ongoing problems.
“Where is the State Government’s tough stance on crime and antisocial behaviour?” he said.
“Why do ratepayers have to keep footing the bill?”
He said play equipment had again been damaged within days, with seating and other park infrastructure repeatedly vandalised. Residents had also reported teenagers driving vehicles into the park as late as 10.30pm despite security gates that were supposed to be locked overnight.
Cr Gollé said residents believed police responses were often limited because of competing priorities, while alcohol consumption and suspected drug activity continued around the park’s public toilet block.
He has also sought advice on whether CCTV cameras at the park remain operational and whether they are being used to identify offenders.
“The repeated damage to public assets is costing ratepayers money, while nearby residents continue to experience unacceptable levels of disruption,” he said.
“I would appreciate an update on what immediate and longer-term measures are being implemented to restore community safety and protect this important public space.”
Mrs Young said repeated vandalism was unacceptable.
“Everyone deserves to feel safe when using their local parks, and it’s incredibly disappointing to see community facilities repeatedly damaged by vandals,” she said.
“This antisocial behaviour has a real impact on local families, nearby residents and ratepayers who ultimately foot the bill for repairs.”
She said while the State Government had strengthened youth crime laws and police powers, crime prevention infrastructure also played an important role.
“I have written to Redland City Council on multiple occasions encouraging them to apply for this funding and offered my full support to strengthen their application,” she said.
“Unfortunately, those offers of support and opportunities to access additional State Government funding were not taken up.
“I remain ready to work collaboratively with council, Queensland Police and the community to secure additional safety measures that help deter crime, protect public assets and ensure Redlanders can enjoy community spaces safely.”
A Redland City Council spokesperson said policing, crime detection and prosecution were matters for Queensland Police, but Council continued to work closely with local officers on community safety initiatives.
The spokesperson said temporary security cameras had previously been deployed at Thornlands Community Park, and requests for cameras in public spaces were assessed using Queensland Police crime data to ensure resources were directed where they were most needed.
Council said it welcomed State Government funding opportunities, but applications had to be assessed against Council priorities, project readiness and long-term financial sustainability.
“The Secure Communities Partnership Program provides funding for the delivery and installation of assets but not the significant ongoing operational, maintenance and renewal costs associated with infrastructure such as CCTV,” the spokesperson said.
“Council did not submit an application under the Secure Communities Partnership Program because there were no eligible projects within Council’s approved Capital Program that aligned with the program objectives.”
Council also pointed to its quarterly Grill and Chill events with police, with the next session to be held at Thornlands Skatepark on July 24 from 3-5pm.
