Crime prevention funds to make Gold Coast safer

A Gold Coast organisation will receive Queensland Government funding to help reduce crime and address local safety issues.

Communities Minister Warren Pitt said the Gold Coast Drug Council would receive $36,000 for this year’s Drastic Youth Program.

“This program aims to help young people aged between 12 and 17 years to develop strengths and skills through arts and other activities,” 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.

Member for Burleigh Christine Smith said the causes of crime were many and varied.

“Reducing crime will always require a coordinated strategy that tackles the issue on a number of fronts,” Mrs Smith said.

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

“The Drastic Youth Program will help ensure the Gold Coast is a community where people feel safe.”

Media contact: Joe Begley 3235 4280