Major Funding Boost To Deter Crime Against Small And Family Businesses

Queensland’s small and family businesses will soon benefit from a major boost in crime prevention, with the launch of a $40 million Secure Communities Partnerships Program to help protect livelihoods and restore safety across local business precincts.

Councils can apply for up to two grants worth $400,000 each to fund crime prevention measures to improve the security of business strips, including CCTV, bollards, lockable fencing, and improved perimeter security.

A total of $10 million is available to councils in the first of four rounds of funding under the program, with future rounds to be delivered over three years.

The LNP said that cost of crime for small and family businesses soared under Labor’s "soft-on-crime approach", with insurance costs skyrocketing by 79.6 per cent under the former Labor Government, making it unaffordable for many businesses to continue operating.

The Crisafulli Government says it continues to strengthen Queensland’s laws with the expansion of Adult Crime Adult Time passed in Parliament last week, giving police and the courts the powers they need to fight Labor’s Youth Crime Crisis.

Premier David Crisafulli said small and family businesses have long called for tougher action on crime, and this program delivers real support.

“We will continue to strengthen the law to ensure consequences for actions, but we will also strengthen our defences against would be criminals,” Premier Crisafulli said.

“Small and family business owners deserve to feel safe from crime, without worrying about being broken into and having their shop ransacked.

“The cost of a break-in to a small business isn’t just the value of what’s been stolen, it’s also the repairs, rising insurance and lost turnover from being closed.

“This funding will protect more livelihoods and, by bolstering security measures to stop crime before it happens, we can help restore safety where you live.”

Small and Family Business Minister Steve Minnikin said creating safe communities would allow small businesses to grow and prosper. 

“We are delivering on our Small Business First promise to create safer communities, and this initiative is a key step in fostering safer and more vibrant business areas,” Minister Minnikin said.

“By working with local councils to deliver these vital safety projects, we’re not just protecting small businesses, we’re strengthening entire communities. When small businesses feel safe, they can invest, expand, and innovate”. 

Minister for Police and Emergency Services Dan Purdie said this program was an example of the Crisafulli LNP Government’s commitment to drive down crime levels Labor left behind.

“There’s no denying the impact crime levels are having on Queensland small business owners,” Minister Purdie said.

“Infrastructure safety upgrades, like CCTV or bollards, can act as vital deterrents for would-be thieves with zero regard for the hard work of Queensland business owners.”

Round 1 is now open for applications at: www.business.qld.gov.au/securegrant

The Secure Communities Partnership Program is a key priority under the Queensland Government’s Small and Family Business First Action Statement.

‍

Premier David Crisafulli was in Townsville as the Secure Communities Partnership Program was activated — a $40 million commitment to help small and family businesses enhance security and deter crime. Photo supplied

‍