March 19, 2025
Ten local crime prevention projects funded under Phillip Thompson commitment
Federal Member for Herbert, Phillip Thompson, today announced an election commitment to fund ten local crime prevention projects, delivering CCTV, lighting and security fencing to community groups across Townsville.
Mr Thompson said more than $150,000 will go towards sporting clubs, a school and other volunteer organisations to safeguard their premises against crime, if a Dutton Liberal government is elected.
“From volunteer organizations to sporting clubs, these places are the backbone of our communities. A smashed window, stolen equipment or a trashed field doesn’t just cost money – it cancels games, shuts down events, and threatens our communities,” Mr Thompson said.
“The Albanese Labor Government axed the Safer Communities program, but I’m committed to bringing it back, because our communities deserve to feel safe and protected.”
Mr Thompson also called for quicker implementation of new state crime laws but said federal funding was a practical step he could take now.
“We need the State government to step up quickly, but I’m not waiting around. This funding will get security in place so our community groups can keep doing their good work.”
Mr Thompson said the Townsville Toy Library would receive $40,000 to install security fencing at their Vincent location, as well as a CCTV camera system, after vandals damaged their building and anti-social behaviour put their members at risk.
He said the investment would protect a vital community hub in Townsville that supports young families, while sending a clear message that Townsville’s crime crisis needs an urgent response.
“No family should feel unsafe borrowing toys and letting their children play at places like the Townsville Toy Library. But recent criminal behaviour is putting that at risk”, Mr Thompson said.
“This $40,000 commitment will deliver a security fence around the play area and 24/7 CCTV so families can keep using this space without fear.”
Townsville Toy Library President, Stacey Prenter, welcomed the commitment.
“We’ve had so many incidents that have left our members not feeling safe – from graffiti spraypainted all over our walls to anti-social behaviour around our premises.
“Until now, no one had been able to offer us funding for crime prevention measures, so we’re very grateful that Phil Thompson has stepped in to help us with this commitment.
“This fencing and CCTV will secure our space and allow us to focus on serving families.”
Mr Thompson said the Toy Library project is part of a $151,000 package to upgrade security at community organizations across Townsville.
Other local projects set to benefit from the commitment include:
- Garbutt State School, Garbutt – CCTV cameras ($10,000)
- Phoenix Netball Club, Hermit Park – CCTV cameras ($10,000)
- Castle Hill Lions Club, Aitkenvale – CCTV cameras ($10,000)
- Wanderers Cricket Club, Pimlico – CCTV, lighting, and security doors ($16,000)
- Magnetic Island RSL, Arcadia – CCTV cameras and lighting ($7,000)
- Magnetic Island Men’s Shed, Picnic Bay – CCTV cameras ($10,000)
- Townsville Table Tennis Association, Hermit Park – CCTV and lighting ($20,000)
- Purono Rural Fire Brigade, Yabulu – CCTV cameras and security doors ($13,000)
- St. John’s Ambulance, Aitkenvale – CCTV cameras and lighting ($15,000)
“If we’re re-elected, this funding rolls out straight away. It’s a must — protect our community spaces, and we start bringing safety back to our city,” Mr Thompson said.