$15,000 for Broadsound community to tackle crime

Police Minister Judy Spence and Member for Rockhampton Robert Schwarten today announced $15,000 funding for Broadsound residents to put their plan to tackle crime into action.

Ms Spence said: “This Government is committed to supporting initiatives which help build safer communities.

“We are pleased to provide funding to allow local crime prevention and community safety projects developed by the Broadsound Building Safer Communities Action Team (BSCAT), to be put into action.

“The process has involved representatives from Isaac Regional Council, Queensland Police Service, community organisations and other government agencies, working together to establish crime prevention strategies that are tailored to the area’s needs.

Broadsound BSCAT projects include:

• A ‘Party Safe’ campaign targeted at young people to inform them about safe partying responsibilities. The project will provide ‘Party Safe’ information kits to parents and young people about how to host successful, enjoyable and safe parties.
• An alcohol related anti-violence awareness campaign throughout mining camps to reduce incidents involving alcohol related violence and associated anti-social behaviour.
• A social engagement project to establish and support sense of social ownership by mine employees by enhancing their involvement in the community. This program will encourage miners to be mentors for young people in relation to sport.
• A ‘Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design’ initiative targeted at the Dysart and Middlemount areas to boost community perception of safety at night by improving natural surveillance in areas deemed to be unsafe.

“Local police will continue to work closely with the BSCAT and members of the community to make Broadsound a safer place to live and work.

“One of the best ways to tackle issues state-wide, is by empowering members of the public to get involved.

“It is these people who are best equipped to address important issues at a grass roots level, such as preventing alcohol and drug abuse, violence and youth crime.”

Mr Schwarten said the Broadsound BSCAT is providing local solutions to local problems, to ensure the most effective crime prevention measures are being implemented.

“Building Safer Communities Action Teams have already been working to fight crime in other areas in Queensland, with positive outcomes,” he said.

“Existing BSCATs in Tiaro and Hervey Bay have achieved great results in addressing local safety issues and initiating local crime prevention.

“This is just one example of the Bligh Government’s commitment to working with police and communities to tackle crime across Queensland.”

The Building Safer Communities program is funded by the Queensland Police Service as part of the State Government’s Strategic Framework for Community Crime Prevention.

Media Contact: Minister Spence’s office on (07) 3239 6203     Mr Schwarten’s office on (07) 4927 5299