Secure Communities Partnerships Program: $40m for Queensland councils to fight crime

The state government is making $40 million available to Queensland councils to deter crime against small and family businesses. Read the details.

Premier David Crisafulli at Convoy for The Cure in Townsville on Sunday. The Crisafulli Government says it is delivering on a key election promise, with Queensland local governments now able to apply for new funding to enhance security and deter criminal activity on their local small and family businesses. Picture: Supplied

The state government is making $40 million available to Queensland councils to deter crime against small and family businesses.

Premier David Crisafulli, in Townsville on Sunday, said the Secure Communities Partnerships Program would help protect small businesses from crime and economic losses through the installation of vital safety and security infrastructure.

A total of $10 million dollars is available to councils in the first of four rounds of funding under the program, with future rounds to be delivered over three years.

Councils can apply for up to two grants worth $400,000 each to fund crime prevention measures to improve the security of business strips, including CCTV, bollards, lockable fencing, and improved perimeter security.

Mr Crisafulli said the program delivered “real support” to small and family businesses had been calling for tougher action on crime.

“We will continue to strengthen the law to ensure consequences for actions, but we will also strengthen our defences against would be criminals.”

He said businesses deserved to feel safe from crime, “without worrying about being broken into and having their shop ransacked”.

“The cost of a break-in to a small business isn’t just the value of what’s been stolen, it’s also the repairs, rising insurance and lost turnover from being closed,” he said.

“This funding will protect more livelihoods and, by bolstering security measures to stop crime before it happens, we can help restore safety where you live.”

Premier David Crisafulli at Convoy for The Cure in Townsville on Sunday. The Crisafulli Government’s $40 million Secure Communities Partnerships Program will help to protect small businesses from crime and economic losses, through the installation of vital safety and security infrastructure. Picture: Supplied

In April of this year, Hello Health cinic owner and operator James Jensen told the Townsville Bulletin his store had been repeatedly targeted by criminals and vandals.

The clinic, located on Barlow Street, has been a frequent target for anti-social behaviour, broken windows and break-ins.

“We’re sick to death of having to clean up the mess left out the front of our business each morning,” he said.

“It’s chaos. And we’re the ones footing the bill.

“Even the glazier who came to fix the damage said he’s been called out here 90-plus times over 20 years.

“We’ve only been here for the last two years but I’m already thinking about relocating which is a shame.”

The Crisafulli Government expanded Adult Crime Adult Time last week, saying it gave police and the courts the powers “to fight Labor’s youth-crime crisis”.

The LNP said the cost of crime for small and family businesses increased under Labor’s “soft-on-crime approach” that led to insurance costs increasing by 79.6 per cent and making it unaffordable for many businesses to continue operating.

Small and Family Business Minister Steve Minnikin said creating safer communities was a key step in “fostering safer and more vibrant business areas”.

“By working with local councils to deliver these vital safety projects, we’re not just protecting small businesses, we’re strengthening entire communities,” he said.

“When small businesses feel safe, they can invest, expand and innovate.”

Minister for Police and Emergency Services Dan Purdie said crime levels were impacting Queensland’s small business owners.

“Infrastructure safety upgrades, like CCTV or bollards, can act as vital deterrents for would-be thieves with zero regard for the hard work of Queensland business owners,” he said.

“The Secure Communities Partnership Program is a key priority under the Queensland Government’s Small and Family Business First Action Statement.”

Originally published as Secure Communities Partnerships Program: $40m for Queensland councils to fight crime