Safer Communities Fund applications open again

GRANT applications for round two of the federal government’s Safer Communities Fund program are now open.

Local councils and community organisations are invited to apply through the open competitive round for funding for security enhancement projects, such as CCTV, bollards and lighting.

The Safer Communities Fund provides grants of up to $1 million for security infrastructure initiatives that address crime and anti-social behaviour, help reduce the fear of crime, increase feelings of safety, and contribute to the safety of communities that may be at risk of racial and/or religious intolerance.

Corangamite federal member Sarah Henderson said investment in security infrastructure at local crime hotspots would reduce fear of crime and contribute to greater community safety and resilience across her electorate.

“As per our election commitment, funding of $120,000 was granted under round one of the program to the City of Greater Geelong to enable it to install CCTV camera networks in Barwon Heads and Ocean Grove to keep the community safe from local crime and anti-social behaviour. Installation is expected to begin in October and completed by December 2017.

“As we all know, CCTV and security infrastructure has been a pivotal factor in both solving crimes and preventing crimes.

“I encourage potential applicants to contact my office to discuss their projects’ eligibility, and to receive all submission details.”

Federal Justice Minister Michael Keenan said the Coalition believed that all Australians had the right to feel safe and secure, and the Safer Communities Fund was one way to achieve this.

“The Coalition has now committed more than $100 million to assist local communities in keeping our streets safe from crime and anti-social behaviour.

“We will continue to put funds towards projects that make our streets, communities, and our nation safer.”

For more information on the Safer Communities Fund, head to business.gov.au/safer-communitiesfund, or phone 13 28 46. Applications close on November 14.