Cairns leaders tally the cost of vandalism, thefts as council applies for $1.5m security grant

Petty criminals have copped a stern rebuke from a Cairns councillor who’s lamented that a seven-figure grant will likely go to security upgrades, rather than improving the lives of residents in his division.

CCTV footage of a break-in at Walker Road Sports Precinct that occurred earlier this year. Source: Supplied by Keiren O’Brien

Petty criminals have copped a stern rebuke from a Cairns councillor who’s lamented that a seven-figure grant application will likely go to security upgrades, rather than improving the lives of residents in his division.

Cairns Regional Council has applied for $1.5m from the Commonwealth as part of its $20m Strengthening Community Safety program with funds to be spent on infrastructure such as CCTV, lighting, fencing and bollards.

So far this year, the council has spent more than $256,000 repairing damage to its facilities and community spaces caused by anti-social behaviour.

Cairns Regional Council Division One councillor Brett Moller is angered that petty criminals are costing ratepayers hundreds of thousands of dollars each year. Picture: Isaac McCarthy

Division One councillor Brett Moller said while he welcomed any support, he’d rather see grants invested in improving public areas rather than protecting them from vandalism.

“This should be money spent on playground upgrades, footpaths, pump tracks with a community benefit,” Mr Moller said.

“But here we are having to address the consequences of anti-social behaviour and the cost to the community, it really is so disappointing.

“Part of our remit is to make these applications when this sort of money comes around. But that’s what we should be spending money on.”

The funding would go primarily towards six key projects, including $147,000 to secure the council’s depot facilities that have experienced repeated break-ins and $250,000 to upgrade Shields Street lighting to eliminate dark zones.

Cairns Regional Council Division Two councillor Matthew Tickner says Edmonton PCYC is in desperate need of fencing to deter anti-social behaviour. Picture: Brendan Radke

About $50,000 would be spent on fencing for the Edmonton PCYC and the Walker Rd Sporting Precinct which have faced multiple break-ins and stolen vehicles this year.

“Vandalism, break-ins, theft and anti-social behaviour have unfortunately become a normal part of life for us,” Division Two councillor Matthew Tickner said.

“The costs associated with repairing asset damage are rising. The Edmonton PCYC has been the target of numerous acts of vandalism and thefts recently.

“I look forward to seeing this program approved and implemented.”

In its application, the council has also applied for $765,000 to install 16 fixed CCTV units and one mobile trailer unit across high-crime and high-traffic public areas, with network connectivity for live monitoring and evidence collection.

Protective bollards at Pumeri Park in Manunda would also be installed to prevent unlawful vehicle access and improve park safety.

The council — which spends an estimated $5.5m on community safety — received 89 requests for graffiti removal in October, up 44 per cent from last month.

Originally published as Cairns leaders tally the cost of vandalism, thefts as council applies for $1.5m security grant