In the last two weeks, Logan residents have been shaken by two shootings that allegedly ended two lives, a currently unconfirmed third, and a stabbing incident that allegedly brought a man close to death.
A local MP is calling for action and better resources, including a specialised police taskforce, to help curb violent crime.
But the city’s most vulnerable are frightened, with these events only exacerbating pre-existing issues.
Bethania Community Centre manager Ashleigh Hassell said the recent incidents of violence have been “distressing” for the vulnerable people the centre assists, many of whom are homeless or survivors of domestic violence.
“It has had a significant impact on them, much greater impact on household residents,” Ms Hassell said.
“We’re safe, they’re not.”
Two people who the centre assists knew the man who was allegedly shot and killed in Hugh Muntz Park, Beenleigh, on Tuesday, 2 December.
Several others knew of the man.
“You’ll often find people who have slept in the Bethania community parklands have also been to the Edens Landing one or the Beenleigh one, and they’ve met everyone in the same position as they are,” Ms Hassell said.
“It’s sad because they come into the centre already feeling like they’re banging their head against a brick wall because they’re getting no help or assistance from providers.
“Something like this happens, and where do they go?”
State member for Woodridge Cameron Dick said the two shootings in Logan earlier this month were “entirely unacceptable” and called upon the government to act, urging them to set up a police taskforce to tackle gun crime.
“Logan police officers do incredible work for our community,” Mr Dick said.
“But our city has a growing population, and our dedicated, hardworking police need to be supported with extra personnel and resources.
“That’s why I am calling for a police Rapid Action Patrol (RAP) team to be permanently based in Logan.”
Mr Dick said the RAP team, made up of “highly mobile officers,” would be deployed to reports of gun violence and other offences as needed in Logan.
“A RAP team would provide police with an extra level of agility and heightened response capability to relentlessly target those who cause harm in the community,” he said.
Ms Hassell said recent incidents of crime had contributed to the deterioration of mental health and well-being for many attending the centre.
But that staff were doing everything they could to support the vulnerable and support those who are grieving or feeling unsafe.
“Often they just need a nice, warm feed and someone to talk to, and that will help more than anything,” Ms Hassell said.
“I understand how their living situations might be perceived by the community, who may be making assumptions.
“But I just wish the community would see that often they are actually quite vulnerable and just need a little bit of love and care.”
