As a resident of Coorparoo, our local park, Hanlon Park, is close to my heart. The park is a cornerstone of our community; it's several playgrounds, and bike and running track support an incredibly high level of local activity. However, recent incidents have shattered the sense of safety we once enjoyed in the park.

Most recently as you have probably seen on the news, in an incredibly shocking and disturbing event, a man approached and attacked a 9-month-old baby that was at the park with their parent. The man poured a thermos of boiling hot coffee over the baby, causing serious burns over his face, neck, chest and arms requiring hospitalisation and multiple surgeries. As a mother of two, I am absolutely devastated for this family, who were only trying to enjoy some time at the park. 

This incident has left my own family feeling deeply concerned about all of the local children's well-being. Only three months prior, my own eight-year-old daughter was using the park's public toilets, when two men had approached her, climbed up into the adjacent cubicles to watch her, and then threatened her with abduction. The two men were apprehended, but police were unable to charge the two men as there was no video surveillance. Several conversations I have had with other parents at the park are indicating that these are not isolated incidents but an increasing indication of a disturbing pattern.

Given these circumstances, it is absolutely imperative, now more than ever, to ensure the safety of all park-goers. As the Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) maintains, security cameras serve as a deterrent to crime and antisocial behaviour, because they elevate the risk of identification and therefore punishment. Security cameras in public spaces have been shown to reduce crime by as much as 7% (International Journal of Police Science & Management). Having surveillance footage at the park will allow perpetrators of crime to be more easily identified and could be instrumental in preventing further traumatic incidents for children, parents and all individuals using the park, ensuring it remains a safe space for everyone.

We as parents and adults, hold the responsibility of ensuring our children's and young people's safety. We are the voice that must speak for them, and it is with this voice that I plead the Council to act promptly and install security cameras in Stones Corner's Hanlon Park, restoring the park to its position as a safe and secure place for families to play. The local community deserves the right to access this space without the fear of harm to their children or violent assaults. By doing so, the Council will be affirming its commitment to the welfare of its residents and the safety of its community. 

I ask you to throw your weight behind this cause, and to please sign the petition to increase the safety of our beloved Hanlon Park.