Coalition’s plan for safer streets in Wide Bay
10th October, 2012
Federal Member for Wide Bay, Warren Truss, today said a Coalition Government will allocate $50 million to tackle crime hotspots and help local communities deal with problems of hooning, graffiti and violence.“Communities in Wide Bay will be able to apply for funding for crime prevention infrastructure, including better lighting, CCTVs and mobile CCTVs, under a major crime prevention plan announced by the Liberal and National Parties,” Mr Truss said.
“Residents want to feel safe and secure in their homes and neighbourhoods. Whether people are going about their business, shopping, out to dinner with friends or enjoying a night out, CCTV cameras provide an extra layer of security to help protect them and their property from crime,” Mr Truss said.
“The presence of CCTV cameras also causes would be criminals to think before they act, helping to stop crime before it occurs, as the chance of them getting caught on camera is high.
“Under the plan, local residents, shop owners and chambers of commerce, state and local governments will be able to have a say in identifying local projects to make our streets safer.
“The former Coalition Government offered an effective and popular grants program to tackle local crime and it was disappointing that the Labor government scrapped it. Labor has also cut $400 million from the Australian Federal Police, the Australian Crime Commission and Customs,” Mr Truss said.
“The best way to tackle crime and anti-social behaviour is to prevent it happening. Crime prevention helps to stop people from suffering injury and damage to their property, reducing costs in the justice system, and strengthens communities.”
Mr Truss said the Liberal and National Parties crime prevention grants program will start in the first year of a Coalition Government and would be rolled out in consultation with local councils and police.
