Pictured: Mr Joyce discusses with Armidale Regional Council the new security upgrades planned for the city, following $450,000 in Federal Government funding.

 

Member for New England, Barnaby Joyce, has announced the Coalition Government will provide $450,000 for the Armidale Regional Council Safety and Security Project.

 

The funding has been committed under Round 3 of the Coalition’s $30 million Safer Communities Fund and will allow Armidale Regional Council to implement new security measures including CCTV cameras and lighting around the region’s crime hotspots.

 

The project includes new cameras and upgrades in the Armidale and Guyra CBDs, and the installation of state-of-the-art, energy-efficient light towers along the Dumaresq Creek Lands between Wright Village and Girraween – a key route linking Armidale city to the university.

 

 “Armidale is a great place to live, work, study, raise a family and the region has huge potential for growth,” Mr Joyce said.

 

“But it is vital people feel safe in their community which is why this funding for new security measures is so important to help build on that potential for Armidale’s future growth.

 

“With more eyes on the streets, local families, students and visitors can go about their lives confident in the knowledge their safety is being addressed.”

 

Armidale Regional Council Mayor Simon Murray said the funding will be a great boost for the local district. 

 

“This assistance will bring added community safety in key open spaces in our region and assist Council efforts to activate these locations,” Cr Murray said.

 

“These security measures are integral in boosting community wellbeing in a number of ways – by encouraging people to get out and active, while protecting their safety.

 

“The new and additional cameras are also a boost to business, by protecting premises and creating more inviting destinations for shoppers.”

 

The Safer Communities Fund delivers on the Coalition’s ongoing commitment to keep Australians safe and secure.

 

The Safer Communities Fund, a 2016 election commitment, initially received $40 million to support local communities to address crime and anti-social behaviour and to protect organisations that may face risks from racial or religious intolerance. This further commitment brings the total amount available under the Safer Communities Fund to $70 million between 2016-17 and 2019-20.

 

The Coalition has now committed $138 million across Australia to deliver on various strategies designed to strengthen our communities.

 

(ENDS)