29 September 2017

Safer Communities Fund now open for applications

WA Liberal Senator Linda Reynolds is encouraging local governments and community groups in Armadale and Gosnells to apply for security funding under the Coalition Government’s Safer Communities Fund.

Grant applications for round two of the Safer Communities Fund opened on Friday 29 September.

Senator Reynolds said the funding delivered on the Coalition’s ongoing commitment to keep Australians safe and secure.

“The best way to tackle crime and anti-social behaviour is to prevent it from happening in the first place,” she said.

“The Safer Communities Fund helps to do that by providing grants of up to $1 million to local government and community organisations to assist in the purchase of security infrastructure, such as CCTV, bollards and lighting.”

Senator Reynolds said the Federal Government had already delivered $200,000 through the fund to security projects in Gosnells this year.

“The City of Gosnells was granted $150,000 to purchase 44 fixed CCTV cameras and four rapid deployment cameras at Mills Park, and Amaroo Care Services was granted $50,000 to purchase CCTV and sensor lighting,” she said.

“Prior to this funding, residents at Amaroo were targeted by a series of cowardly break-ins and thefts. With CCTV footage and sensor lighting installed, places such as Amaroo Village have a better chance of deterring these criminals as well as being able to provide more evidence to the police.”

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

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

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

Further information on the Safer Communities Fund is available at www.business.gov.au/safer-communities-fund, or by calling 13 28 46. Applications close on 14 November 2017.

Media Contact: Amy Blom 08 9477 5411, 0431 685 372 or amy.blom@aph.gov.au (Senator Reynolds)

Michael Tetlow 0476 820 816 (Minister Keenan)