Crime prevention funds to make Townsville-Thuringowa safer

Two local organisations will receive a total of $80,000 in Queensland Government funding to reduce crime and address safety issues in the Townsville-Thuringowa communities.

Communities Minister Warren Pitt said the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Community Legal Services in Kirwan would get $40,000 for its Our Journey to Respect program.

“The service will work in partnership with the Townsville-Thuringowa Indigenous Men’s Association and the Cleveland Youth Detention Centre to deliver culturally appropriate education and leadership programs for young Indigenous people at risk of committing crime,” Mr Pitt said.

“The North Queensland Prisoners’ Aid Society at West End will also receive $40,000 to help up to 30 post-release prisoners to re-engage with the community, with an emphasis on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander offenders.

“This funding initiative assists eligible organisations to 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.

Mr Pitt said eight Queensland communities would share 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 work of these organisations will help ensure the Townsville-Thuringowa community is one where people feel safe.”

Media contact: Peter Nibbs 3235 4280