2019/20 Budget - Community safety top priority in 2019/20 Budget

Community safety is a top priority in Townsville City Council’s 2019/20 Budget with $13.3 million being invested to keep residents safe.

Council’s community safety programs include a dedicated Community Safety Officer, operating CCTV across the city, community response vehicles and community events such as Cyclone Sunday.

Townsville Mayor Jenny Hill said Council is committed to keeping residents safe through a number of initiatives that will continue to be funded in the Budget.

“Council has invested $13.3 million in the 2019/20 Budget to ensure our community stays safe,” Cr Hill said.

“This funding includes the installation and operation of CCTV, the operation of our community response vehicles, and improved lighting across the city.

“This investment includes $8.7 million to improve footpaths, traffic signals and play equipment for the safety of the community starting when they first step out the front door until they make it back home.”

Community and Cultural Development Committee Chair Cr Colleen Doyle said education programs also play a crucial role in community safety.

“Council will continue running our community programs such as Cyclone Sunday to educate residents on how to protect themselves and their families during a natural disaster,” Cr Doyle said.

“We want all residents to be equipped and ready to handle a cyclone or other disaster and foster a community spirit where all residents can check in on their neighbours.”

Community Safety Advisory Committee Chair Cr Russ Cook said Council wants to ensure residents and visitors are safe no matter where they are in Townsville.

“This funding commitment ensure that Council can continue to prioritise the safety of the community and support other crime prevention organisations – including partnering with the Queensland Police,” Cr Cook said.

“This community safety investment also includes the running of the Local Disaster Coordination Centre – which played a pivotal role in the unprecedented monsoon.”

Community Health and Environment Committee Chair Cr Ann-Maree Greaney said the community safety investment is on top of other programs for the safety of all residents and visitors to the community.

“On top of the $13.3 million being invested into community safety, Council is also spending $1.65 million for lifeguards on our patrolled beaches to keep our beachgoers safe,” Cr Greaney said.

“We will also continue to install and maintain stinger nets at beaches right across the community so everyone can enjoy our beautiful beaches year-round.”

Other community safety highlights include:

• White Ribbon Accreditation
• Neighbour Day
• Maintaining the public safety duress button at Riverway
• Street art activations and a Graffiti Management Plan
• Maintenance and activation of public spaces – including infrastructure, events and activities to create engaging spaces
• Community safety awareness campaigns such as Road Safety Week, Mental Health Week and White Ribbon Day.