CCTV cameras installed at New Farm Park following local mum’s attempted abduction concerns

A local mum who campaigned for CCTV cameras at a popular Brisbane park following the alleged abduction attempt of her son has seen a huge win with council.

New Farm Park. Picture: Liam Kidston

Temporary CCTV cameras have been installed at a popular Brisbane park following six months of campaigning from a local mum who thought her son was about to be abducted.

In August last year Carolyn Holland said her young son was riding his bike in New Farm Park with his friends when he was left alone and approached by two men in a vehicle.

Ms Holland said her terrified son lied and told the men he could see his mum and dad before running away.

Several posts with images of the same alleged offenders were later shared on social media, with another concerned parent saying two men attempted to lure a young boy into the back of their van during soccer practice.

At the time, police said they were investigating the incident as “suspicious” and were appealing to anyone with further information to contact them, with no hard evidence of the incident due to the lack of cameras.

New Farm Park see’s more than a million visitors a year. Picture: Jerad Williams

Now, after starting a petition and lobbying to the local council, Ms Holland said she was extremely happy to be told two temporary cameras have been installed by council at the New Farm Park entrance off Brunswick St.

“It’s acting proactively and preventatively, instead of waiting for something bad to happen ... which is [what] we were hoping for, but the six months waiting for it has been hard,” she said.

“They do act as a deterrent ... to stop things from happening, and if, you know, God forbid, Harvey had been taken, there would be no evidence. There would be nowhere to start. There would be no way to know who took him.”

In a letter addressed to Ms Holland from Deputy Mayor Fiona Cunningham, she said the cameras will be used to collect data for a “detailed security assessment” in order to determine if the park meets the criteria for permanent safety cameras.

Brisbane City Council's Finance Committee Chair and Deputy Mayor Cr Fiona Cunningham. Picture: Richard Walker

“It is so important to have dedicated members of the community like yourself to raise awareness of these matters which in turn enhances the security of our community,” Ms Cunningham said in the letter.

“I can understand why you are concerned about these circumstances and the ongoing impact it must have on you and your family.”

Ms Holland said she hoped the cameras would become permanent to ensure the safety of the millions of visitors New Farm Park see’s each year.

Brisbane City Council has been contacted to confirm the installation.

Originally published as CCTV cameras installed at New Farm Park following local mum’s attempted abduction concerns