Security funding splash

Crime protection promise

SPORTING clubs, schools and community groups will receive funding for a range of security upgrades under an election promise from Herbert MP Phillip Thompson.

Mr Thompson pledged more than $560,000 towards nine separate organisations to be used to protect them against crime, provided the LNP is reelected at this month’s federal election.

“Almost everyone I speak to has felt the effect of Townsville’s out-of-control crime, and community groups like these are often hit hard,” Mr Thompson said.

“These sporting clubs and schools are the heart and soul of our community. A break-in at a canteen or vandalism of a facility can have a massive flow-on effect, leading to cancelled events and significant repair and replacement costs.”

Mr Thompson accused Labor’s candidate for Herbert, John Ring, of being “silent” on the issue of crime in Townsville.

Brothers Football Club will receive the lion’s share of funding, with $215,394 earmarked to install bollards at its training ground in Mount Louisa.

Hi Vista Park will also receive 12 CCTV cameras via the funding, following an incident last year where a 4WD vandalised the playing surface.

Brothers Football Club president John Fergus said he was optimistic that the funding would allow the club to save money that would otherwise be spent on facility repairs.

“Getting bollards and cameras at Hi Vista Park is something we’ve needed for a very long time, and we’re thankful that Phil Thompson has put our case forward and helped get us this commitment,” he said.

The Riverway Vikings Football Club, another target of field vandalism in recent weeks, has also been promised $10,000 for CCTV cameras, lighting and alarm systems.

The Riverside Adventist School will receive $194,644 for CCTV cameras, lighting, fences and alarms. The NQ Hindu Community centre will receive $30,000 for the same items. The YWAM Youth Transitional Housing complex has been promised $25,967 for new security and alarm systems. A total of $85,969 was promised to Mary Mackillop Church, St Joseph’s Church, Good Shepherd Church and St Mary’s Church to install CCTV cameras.