The Liberal Nationals Government is providing up to $20 million in funding for early intervention projects and up to $10 million for security infrastructure through round six of the Safer Communities Fund.
The early intervention grant opportunity is now open and closes 22 July 2021. The security infrastructure grant opportunity opens on 15 June and closes 5 August 2021.
Leader of The Nationals in the Senate and Senator for Victoria, Bridget McKenzie said this funding will help ensure people in our regional communities feel safe as they go about their daily lives.”
“We’ll continue to work closely with local councils and local community organisations to identify infrastructure projects that can be supported through this funding,” Senator McKenzie said.
“The early intervention funding stream will provide support for at risk young people in the community to help them turn away from crime and build positive relationships and skills.”
Assistant Minister for Customs, Community Safety and Multicultural Affairs, Jason Wood said this announcement is delivering on the Australian Government’s commitment to deliver safer communities through crime prevention initiatives.
“Local communities can feel safer from violence, harassment and anti-social behaviour following these initiatives,” Assistant Minister Wood said.
“The early intervention funding stream will help assist young people at high risk from engaging in criminal or anti-social behaviour build resilience, cultural connections and job readiness skills.
“The infrastructure funding will not only improve security and protect communities through projects such as CCTV, fencing and bollards, it will also keep local people employed, boosting local economies.”
The Safer Communities Fund is a long-standing program that has invested more than $215 million since 2016 and provided over 600 grants directly to local communities.
Grant opportunity guidelines for the early intervention and infrastructure funding streams will be available on the opening dates at www.business.gov.au. Guidelines will include information about how to apply, eligibility and assessment criteria.
The Australian Government announced $35 million (including program administration costs) from 2020-21 to 2023-24 to fund round six of the Safer Communities Fund in Budget 2020-21.