Councils and community groups can now apply for up to $1 million in funding through the Safer Communities Fund.

The Safer Communities Fund is an Australian Government program that aims to keep Australians safe and secure by enhancing the efforts of local councils and community organisations to address crime and antisocial behaviour.

Due to the program’s success, the Australian Government announced in May an additional $30 million in funding from assets confiscated by the Commonwealth as proceeds of crime.

“Local councils and community organisations are invited to apply through the third round of funding for security enhancement projects, including for initiatives such as CCTV, bollards, lighting and crime prevention through environmental design initiatives,” Mr Gee said.

“As well as the infrastructure stream, the third round includes a separate early intervention stream for community organisations to deliver crime prevention or activity based youth engagement projects.

“By empowering local organisations and councils to improve their security infrastructure, addressing crime and anti-social behaviour, the initiative increases perceptions of safety and cohesion, fostering viable and vibrant communities into the future.”

Applications for the infrastructure stream are now open and close on 25 September 2018. Information on how to apply for funding is available on the Australian Government’s Safer Communities Fund – Infrastructure Stream website at business.gov.au/safer-communities-fund, or by calling 13 28 46.