Federal Member for Herbert Philip Thompson announces crime prevention projects as election commitments

Ten community groups, sporting clubs and schools will share in more than $150,000 worth of crime-prevention measures if the Coalition win government. SEE WHO.

Federal Member for Herbert Phillip Thompson at the Townsville Toy Library.

Ten community groups, sporting clubs and schools will share in more than $150,000 worth of crime-prevention measures if the Coalition win government.

Herbert MP Phillip Thompson has revealed the group will receive the cash if his party is elected.

While the federal government has no power over crime legislation, Mr Thompson also made prevention promises during the 2022 election.

“It’s a must — protect our community spaces, and we start bringing safety back to our city,” Mr Thompson said.

He said more than $150,000 would go towards sporting clubs, a school and other volunteer organisations to safeguard their premises against crime, if the Coalition is elected.

“From volunteer organisations to sporting clubs, these places are the backbone of our communities, ”Mr Thompson said.

“A smashed window, stolen equipment or a trashed field doesn’t just cost money – it cancels games, shuts down events, and threatens our communities.”

Mr Thompson also called on the state government to be quicker in the implementation of new state crime laws, but said he “wasn’t waiting around”, with federal funding a “practical step” he could take now.

Townsville Toy Library volunteer Emma Baxter assess the damage after vandals destroyed their brand new fence. Picture: Natasha Emeck

He said the Townsville Toy Library, a not-for-profit centre which allows families to rent out toys, would receive $40,000 to install security fencing at their Vincent location, as well as a CCTV camera system.

The Townsville Bulletin reported in June last year that the Toy Library’s fence and front gates were damaged, with an anonymous good Samaritan repairing the fence a few weeks after.

At the time Stacey Prenter from the Townsville Toy Library said the building had been victim to several vandalism attacks in the previous four months.

Vandalism at the Townsville Toy Library in Vincent. Picture supplied.

Mr Thompson said the investment would protect a vital community hub in Townsville that supports young families, while sending a clear message that Townsville’s crime crisis needs an urgent response.

“No family should feel unsafe borrowing toys and letting their children play at places like the Townsville Toy Library. But recent criminal behaviour is putting that at risk”, he said.

“This $40,000 commitment will deliver a security fence around the play area and 24/7 CCTV so families can keep using this space without fear.”

Vandalism at the Townsville Toy Library in Vincent. Picture supplied.

Ms Prenter said they were “very grateful” for the commitment.

“Until now, no one had been able to offer us funding for crime prevention measures, so we’re very grateful that Phil Thompson has stepped in to help us with this commitment,” she said.

“This fencing and CCTV will secure our space and allow us to focus on serving families.”

Other local projects included in Mr Thompson’s $151,0000 commitment package include:

•Garbutt State School, Garbutt – CCTV cameras ($10,000)

•Phoenix Netball Club, Hermit Park – CCTV cameras ($10,000)

•Castle Hill Lions Club, Aitkenvale – CCTV cameras ($10,000)

•Wanderers Cricket Club, Pimlico – CCTV, lighting, and security doors ($16,000)

•Magnetic Island RSL, Arcadia – CCTV cameras and lighting ($7,000)

•Magnetic Island Men’s Shed, Picnic Bay – CCTV cameras ($10,000)

•Townsville Table Tennis Association, Hermit Park – CCTV and lighting ($20,000)

•Purono Rural Fire Brigade, Yabulu – CCTV cameras and security doors ($13,000)

•St. John’s Ambulance, Aitkenvale – CCTV cameras and lighting ($15,000)

Originally published as Federal Member for Herbert Philip Thompson announces crime prevention projects as election commitments