Applications are open now for a funding program which helps local communities feel safer from violence and harassment and anti-social behaviour.

Federal Member for Hinkler Keith Pitt said Round 6 of the Safer Communities Fund has two funding streams.

“The Coalition Government is providing up to $20 million for early intervention projects and up to $10 million for security infrastructure.

“The early intervention funding stream will provide support for at risk young people to help them turn away from crime and build positive relationships and 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 early intervention grant opportunity is open now (closing 22 July 2021) and the security infrastructure grant opportunity opens on 15 June 2021 (closing 5 August 2021).

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 Morrison 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.