Queensland Police Archives - Mount Gravatt News

Mt Gravatt Officers Target Reckless Drivers as Community Welcomes School Return

Officers from the Upper Mount Gravatt Highway Patrol have increased their focus on road safety, intercepting a series of dangerous drivers on southside roads as thousands of children return to school and police launch a statewide motorcycle safety campaign.

Renewed Focus on Road Safety

With the spring school holidays ending, Brisbane drivers are being reminded to readjust to busier roads and active school zones. The increased police presence is part of the ongoing Operation Xray Spring Break, but it also marks the beginning of October’s Motorcycle Awareness Month, a statewide effort by the Queensland Police Service (QPS) to highlight the vulnerability of riders. The timing is critical, as two motorcyclists tragically lost their lives in separate crashes across Queensland in the 24 hours leading up to the campaign.

Reckless Behaviour on Local Roads

The call for caution follows two recent incidents in the area handled by the Mt Gravatt patrol. On the evening of 27 September, an officer conducting speed checks on the Gateway Motorway near Stretton intercepted a motorcyclist allegedly travelling at 168 km/h in a 100 km/h zone. The 25-year-old Capalaba man received a $1,919 fine, a six-month licence disqualification, and his motorbike was immobilised for seven days.

Just a few days later, on 1 October, another Mt Gravatt officer witnessed a driver allegedly performing a burnout at a red light in Park Ridge. When the officer instructed the driver to pull over, the man allegedly performed a second burnout while reversing. The 48-year-old Boronia Heights man was charged with two counts of wilfully making unnecessary noise or smoke and his car was impounded. He is expected to appear in the Beenleigh Magistrates Court on 21 October.

A Shared Responsibility on Our Streets

Police are stressing that road safety is a responsibility shared by everyone in the community. Inspector Gareth Bosley of the QPS’s Road Policing Command explained that motorcycle riders don’t have the protection of modern car safety features, and a simple moment of inattention from a driver at an intersection or while changing lanes can have devastating results for a rider. He urged drivers to actively check their blind spots and give riders enough space, while reminding motorcyclists to wear protective gear and ride to the conditions.

Closer to home, Upper Mount Gravatt Highway Patrol Acting Senior Sergeant Jay Jordan specifically reminded the community that reduced speed limits in school zones are now back in effect to ensure children, who are often walking or cycling, can get to and from school safely. He encouraged all motorists to stick to the speed limit and remain vigilant, particularly around school crossings.

The Human Cost

These safety campaigns are underscored by sobering statistics. As of early October, the road toll in Queensland stood at 231 lives lost for the year. Within the Brisbane region, 33 fatalities have been recorded, with 24 of those occurring on the city’s southside. The statewide total for motorcyclist fatalities has now reached 46 for the year, a stark reminder of the risks faced on the road every day.

Published Date 13-October-2025

Weapons Found at Westfield Mount Gravatt During Police Knife Checks

As Queensland expands police powers under Jack’s Law, officers at Westfield Mount Gravatt charged three people with weapons offences during a recent knife detection operation.

Wanding at Shopping Centres Shows Mixed Results

Between January and March 2025, police used handheld metal detectors to scan 75 people at Westfield Mount Gravatt as part of a state-wide effort to reduce knife crime. Of those scanned, 44 were juveniles, and three people were charged under the Weapons Act, with additional charges laid under the Drugs Misuse Act.

Though only a few charges were filed, the rate of weapons-related offences at this location was higher than the state average of 2.4%. The operation took place under permanent Queensland laws that allow police to scan individuals in public areas without a warrant or specific suspicion.

The scanning initiative is part of what’s commonly known as Jack’s Law, which began as a trial in 2023 following the death of teenager Jack Beasley and has since been expanded statewide.

Gold Coast Remains a Focus for Weapon-Related Offences

While Westfield Mount Gravatt recorded some weapons activity, the most serious results came from high-traffic Gold Coast areas. At Surfers Paradise’s Safe Night Precinct, police detected 27 weapons between January and March, with hotspots like Broadbeach South tram stop and Logan Hyperdome bus stop also reporting high numbers.

Criminologist Professor Janet Ransley advised focusing policing efforts on known trouble zones rather than low-risk areas. Police data supports this, suggesting offenders may be using public transport, especially trams, to move weapons into busy districts. Meanwhile, Brisbane’s city precincts showed fewer weapons but more drug-related offences.

Law Expanded Despite Low Weapon Strike Rate

Although weapon finds remain low overall, the Queensland government has made wanding laws permanent. From July 18, 2025, police can scan people in high-risk public areas without senior approval, while lower-risk areas can be authorised for up to 12 hours. Critics argue most charges relate to drugs, not weapons, raising concerns about the law’s scope.

Police say the goal is prevention, removing knives before harm occurs. Police Minister Dan Purdie and the Beasley family, who pushed for reform, have both voiced strong support for the changes.

Young People and Community Impact

The high number of juveniles scanned at Mount Gravatt reflects a focus on youth in public spaces like shopping centres. Police are required to conduct scans respectfully and non-invasively, and most individuals at the site were cooperative.

Still, civil liberties advocates argue the practice may unfairly target young people, particularly males. Despite low charge rates, police maintain the operations are effective, noting that removing even one weapon could save a life.

Published 25-July-2025

Mt Gravatt Outlook Reserve Gets New Fixed CCTV in City Safety Push

New fixed safety cameras have been installed at Mount Gravatt Outlook Reserve as 26 additional mobile CCTV units are being deployed across all Brisbane suburbs to improve community safety.

City-Wide Mobile Camera Deployment

Brisbane neighbourhoods are set to see an increase in safety monitoring with 26 new mobile safety cameras. This rollout is part of the Lord Mayor’s Safer Suburbs initiative, an action linked to commitments made during the recent local elections. Each of the city’s 26 wards is receiving one mobile camera.

These units will not stay in one place; instead, they will be moved to areas identified as crime hotspots based on information from residents and the Queensland Police Service (QPS). As an example of this rotation, the first location for the camera in the Central Ward will be New Farm Park.

The new mobile cameras are designed to operate independently, using solar power and can run for up to six days without sunlight. They feed live video directly into the Council’s 24/7 security monitoring centre. The system is set up to notify security staff about unusual activities, such as groups gathering in suburban parks during the early morning hours.

Fixed Cameras Enhance Key Locations

Alongside the mobile units, Council has also boosted safety surveillance by installing new permanent, fixed CCTV cameras at several key locations. Mount Gravatt Outlook Reserve on Mount Gravatt Outlook Drive is one of the sites where these new fixed cameras are installed.

Other locations where new fixed cameras are now operational include Luxworth Place in Moorooka, Milton Common Park, Tinchi Tamba Reserve in Bald Hills, Musgrave Park in West End, Caxton Street in Petrie Terrace, Minnippi Parklands in Murarrie, the Forest Lake Bus Stop (serving routes 100 and 110), and the Inala Plaza bus station.

These installations add to Brisbane’s extensive network, which already includes over 3800 fixed safety cameras across the city. This financial year’s final fixed camera installation is planned for Boundary Street in West End.

The Safer Suburbs Initiative also supported local communities through 69 grants awarded to sports and community clubs. Officials note that CCTV cameras have successfully deter crime and catch offenders involved in antisocial behaviour, theft, illegal dumping, and vandalism.

Official Support and Community Input

Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner stated that the initiative aims to make Brisbane’s suburbs safer and ensure issues like youth crime are taken seriously. He emphasised that suburbs are where people live, work, and relax, and keeping them safe and clean is important for maintaining Brisbane’s high-quality lifestyle. He described the investment in the new mobile cameras as a way to help keep the community safe.

The Queensland Police Service also supports the expansion. QPS spokesperson Inspector Michelle Piket indicated that police welcome the increased reach of the mobile camera network across the broader Brisbane region. She noted that Council’s camera network has been essential during major event operations and in daily monitoring of hotspots, helping to ensure community safety and allowing for quick detection and response to offences.

Inspector Piket added that CCTV is a critical investigation tool for police and acts as a deterrent to potential lawbreakers. The placement of the mobile cameras will rely significantly on ongoing feedback from both the police and residents.

How Residents Can Contribute

Council advises that residents with suggestions for where the new rotating mobile safety cameras should be located in their area can provide input directly to their local Councillor. This community feedback mechanism ensures the mobile cameras are deployed where they are most needed to enhance safety across Brisbane’s diverse neighbourhoods.

Published Date 05-May-2025