Security cameras, alarm systems and night patrols to make Brisbane’s sports and community clubs safer are set to be delivered through the first round of the Lord Mayor’s Safer Suburbs Grants.
Almost 70 sports and community clubs across the suburbs have received a share of more than $500,000 through the grants to enhance security and deter crime.
The grants were a commitment made by Lord Mayor, Adrian Schrinner and his team at the 2024 election, with the first $500,000 round to be awarded this year.
“Brisbane has the best lifestyle in Australia and we are determined to keep it that way,” said Lord Mayor Schrinner.
“Every single dollar spent by community clubs on the impacts of crime is a dollar that can’t go towards delivering the programs that make our suburbs even better.
“We will always stand up for residents against crime, and support the amazing work our clubs do to make Brisbane a better place to live, work and play.”
Clubs were encouraged to apply for grants of $10,000 of funding for simple safety improvements that would make a big impact including:
- Security screens
- CCTV cameras
- New locks
- Improved patrol services
- Alarm systems
In the past 12 months, there have been 23 reports of vandalism and crime at Council facilities compared to just two in the 2021/22 financial year.
The grants help community clubs focus more on delivering grassroot sports and great community events instead of shelling out critical costs to cover the impacts of crime.
Wilston Grange AFL Club is one of the successful grant recipients and will put the funding towards upgrading external locks after the club house was recently broken into twice by people looking for cash and equipment.
“This grant will see more than 30 door locks replaced throughout the football club,” said Wilston Grange Australian Football Club President, Rod Fidler.
“We’ve seen a number of attempted break-ins over the last six months and this security measure will help deter people from trying to gain access to the club. We are extremely grateful to receive this $10,000 grant.
“As a community club, any little bit of financial assistance goes along way.”
The Council is also boosting suburban safety with its deployment of mobile and fixed CCTV cameras as part of the new Suburban Safety Cameras program.
Fixed cameras have already been installed at Luxworth Place in Moorooka as well as the Forest Lake bus stop with further installation locations to include:
- Mount Gravatt Outlook Reserve
- Tinchi Tamba Wetlands, Boondall
- Minnippi Parkland, Murarrie
- Boundary Street, West End
- Caxton Street, Petrie Terrace
- Milton Common Park, Milton
- Musgrave Park, West End
A further 26 mobile cameras will be rolled out for each Council ward to be located based on feedback from police, the community and Council security experts.
Another $500,000 round of The Lord Mayor’s Safer Suburbs grants will open next year.
