Park Ridge Baptist Church will have improved security and lighting thanks to a Turnbull Government Safer Communities Grant.
Federal Member for Forde Bert van Manen MP said the church had been successful under Round 2 of the $40 million crime prevention program.
“Unfortunately the buildings at Park Ridge Baptist Church have been targeted by vandals on numerous occasions,” Mr van Manen said.
“In the past nine years, the church has had 11 events of criminal activity including arson, vandalism, break-ins and robberies and local residents have expressed a lot of concern about the increased criminal activity.”
Mr van Manen said the church had successfully applied for a $25,705 grant to install CCTV and security lighting to the church property and two buildings.
The Safer Communities Fund delivers on the Coalition’s ongoing commitment to keep Australians safe and secure.
Only safe communities can be strong and prosperous, and the best way to tackle crime and anti-social behaviour is to prevent it happening.
The $40 million Safer Communities Fund will consist of two streams.
- Stream one will boost the efforts of identified local governments and community organisations to address crime and anti-social behaviour by funding crime prevention initiatives (such as fixed and mobile CCTV and lighting).
- Stream two will boost efforts to protect schools, pre-schools and community organisations that are facing security risks associated with racial or religious intolerance.
Assistant Minister for Home Affairs Alex Hawke said the Coalition’s community safety record was solid.
“The Coalition has now committed more than $100 million purely to assist local communities in delivering strategies to address crime and anti-social behaviour,” Mr Hawke said.
“We will continue to put funds towards projects that make our streets, communities and our nation safer.”
