Crime prevention funds to make Burdekin district safer

An Ayr organisation will receive more than $34,000 in Queensland Government funding to reduce crime and address local safety issues in Burdekin communities.

Communities Minister Warren Pitt said the Bur-Del Cooperative Advancement Society would receive $34,250 to offer recreational activities to combat boredom among young people.

“It is well known that boredom often leads to anti-social or unlawful behaviour, which is why I am delighted to provide funding for such a worthwhile purpose,” Mr Pitt said.

“This funding initiative helps eligible organisations implement or enhance initiatives that respond to local crime and community safety issues.

“It is integral to the Queensland Government’s Strategic Framework for Community Crime Prevention, which supports local action to build safer communities and improve coordination between existing infrastructures and programs.

“This strategy has been built upon grassroots community input because we know that the only really effective measures in today’s complex world are those which reflect the needs and practical ideas of its people.

“I firmly believe that practical solutions to today’s challenges need to come equally from the bottom up as much as from the top down.”

Mr Pitt said eight Queensland communities would share in total funding of $288,596 to implement practical local crime prevention and community safety initiatives.

“An effective response to crime will continue to elude those in search of a quick fix,” Mr Pitt said.

“The causes of crime are many and varied. Reducing crime will always require a coordinated strategy that tackles the issue on a number of fronts.

“Local communities are more familiar with their own issues and, with the appropriate support, are best placed to develop solutions to those problems.

“The Bur-Del Cooperative’s BAY Watch program will help ensure the Burdekin district is a community where people feel safe.”

Media contact: Peter Nibbs 3235 4280