Townsville City Council to spend $5.5m on lighting as an anti-crime measure
After trumpeting a near $15m investment in anti-crime measures, one item on the Townsville City Council budget is attracting the lion’s share of funding. Find out what it is.
Townsville
Don't miss out on the headlines from Townsville. Followed categories will be added to My News.
More than a third of Townsville City Council’s $14.9m centrepiece budget funding for anti-crime measures will go towards operating and maintaining lighting.
The Townsville Bulletin has acquired a full cost breakdown for the council’s “Safe City Investment” in its 2023/24 Budget and Operational Plan, where more than $5m is being spent on lights.
The council will spend $1.9m on the Boulder Protection Program, $1.8m for the running and maintenance of council’s 500-plus CCTV camera network, $5.55m to operate and maintain lighting, $4.2m for security and surveillance, and $1.3m for community safety programs including Community Response Vehicles.
During Townsville Mayor Jenny Hill’s speech on Wednesday, which took place before Townsville City Councillors voted to adopt the 2023/24 budget, she acknowledged that crime remained a “significant concern for our community”.
“We are resolute in our determination to address this issue head-on. This budget reflects our commitment to strengthening community safety,” Cr Hill said.
A Townsville City Council spokesman said the budget’s range of measures to reduce crime would help make residents feel confident they could enjoy our public spaces safely.
“Community safety patrols are visible in high-use areas across the city,” the spokesman said.
“They are a presence to help deter anti-social behaviour, and to assist community members when they need help.
“Council is still working with various stakeholders – including councillors, community groups, police, residents and businesses – as we collate a comprehensive report which will be shared with councillors following its completion.”
The word “crime” does not appear once in the council’s 126-page budget document.
More Coverage
Originally published as Townsville City Council to spend $5.5m on lighting as an anti-crime measure
Join the conversation
Lower Herbert community praised as floodwaters again rise
The officer in charge of Halifax Police praised the flood-struck Lower Herbert community as the swollen river again began to rise on Thursday.
Read more
Adios amigos: Mexican restaurant in CBD is gone-amole
After years of satisfying hunger cravings with tacos, burritos and nachos, a Mexican restaurant in the Townsville CBD has hightailed it like Speedy Gonzales. Here’s why.
Read more