‘Great news’: Successful crime prevention program expanded to Toowoomba
A program designed to prevent victims from being targeted by crime, has expanded to Toowoomba and has already assisted 1300 people since it launched. Details here.
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The youth crime crisis has ignited heated debate in Toowoomba throughout the past 12 months, but the Queensland Government has now launched a program to help prevent senior residents from being targeted.
After the success of the Helping Seniors Secure Their Homes trial in Townsville, Cairns and Mt Isa, the State Government has extended the program to the Garden City.
Housing Minister Meaghan Scanlon said in a bid to prevent unauthorised access, security improvements made to homes could include window locks and shutters, as well as CCTV.
“This is great news for seniors living in Toowoomba, who will now be able to apply for assistance to make their homes more secure,” she said.
“As part of the 2023-24 State Budget, the Palaszczuk Government has expanded the program to include Toowoomba, boosting total funding to $30 million.”
More than 1300 residents have already been deemed eligible across the sunshine state.
Designed to enhance the security of seniors living in Toowoomba, the program offers up to $10,000 for those who meet the requirements which includes homeowners who are aged 60 and older and hold a pensioner concession or veteran card.
Seniors Minister Craig Crawford said ensuring older residents were safe in their own homes was a top priority.
He said the added assistance would be particularly helpful for seniors who are facing cost of living pressures, rely on their fixed incomes and may not be able to afford to upgrade their home security facilities.
“Seniors in Toowoomba are no different to Seniors in Cairns, Townsville or Mt Isa,” Mr Crawford said.
“They want to be able to age safely in their own homes.”
The Queensland Government has invested $15 million in the program to fund the expansion to other parts of the state including Toowoomba.
To apply for the program, phone 137 468 or visit chde.qld.gov.au
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