Safer Communities Fund now open for applications

28/9/2017

Safer Communities Fund now open for applications

Grant applications for round two of the Coalition Government’s Safer Communities Fund programme will open on Friday 29 September, Minister for Justice Michael Keenan and Federal Member for Wide Bay Llew O’Brien announced today.

Mr O’Brien said the Safer Communities Fund delivered on the Coalition’s ongoing commitment to keep Australians safe and secure.

“As a former police officer, I know the best way to tackle crime and anti-social behaviour is to prevent it happening in the first place,” Mr O’Brien said.

“Safe communities are happy and prosperous ones, and that is why the whole community needs  to work together to prevent crime.”

Local councils and community organisations are invited to apply through this open competitive round for funding for security enhancement projects, such as CCTV, bollards and lighting.

The Safer Communities Fund provides grants of up to $1 million for security infrastructure initiatives that address crime and anti-social behaviour, help reduce the fear of crime, increase feelings of safety, and contribute to the safety of communities that may be at risk of racial and/or religious intolerance.

Mr O’Brien said investment in security infrastructure at crime hotspots would reduce fear of crime and contribute to greater community safety and resilience across Wide Bay.

The Coalition Government has already improved safety in the Murgon CBD with more than 30 CCTV cameras installed thanks to Mr O’Brien’s $396,698 election commitment.

“The CCTV and security lighting installed at Murgon through the Safer Communities Fund has been essential in both solving crimes, and preventing crimes and anti-social behaviour.  CCTV is not only an excellent deterrent for bad behaviour but it also helps people feel safe within their own communities.”

Mr O’Brien encouraged potential applicants to contact his electorate office on (07) 4121 2936 to discuss their projects’ eligibility, and to receive all submission details.

Minister Keenan said local Members play a key role in working with their community to boost community safety and identifying where there is a need for increased security infrastructure.

“Our Government firmly believes that all Australians have the right to feel safe and secure, and the Safer Communities Fund is one way we can achieve that,” Mr Keenan said.

“The Coalition has now committed more than $100 million to assist local communities in keeping our streets safe from crime and anti-social behaviour,” Mr Keenan said.

“We will continue to put funds towards projects that make our streets, communities, and our nation safer.”

Further information on the Safer Communities Fund is available on the Australian Government’s Safer Communities Fund website at www.business.gov.au/safer-communities-fund, or by calling 13 28 46.

Applications close on 14 November 2017.