Federal grant to deliver safer community for Orange

14 June 2018

Federal Member for Calare, Andrew Gee has congratulated Orange City Council for the quality of its bid which delivered the biggest single funding allocation from the Federal Government’s Safer Communities Fund.

Announcing the grant for $471,681 to be spent in Orange, Mr Gee said the Safer Communities Fund delivered on the Coalition’s ongoing commitment to keep Australians safe and secure.

“Only safe communities can be strong and prosperous, and the best way to tackle crime and anti-social behaviour is to prevent it happening,” Andrew Gee said.

“This funding will support a number of important crime prevention initiatives throughout the community and help keep local residents safe, improve security and reduce crime and violence.

“This is the biggest grant from this fund for our area in living memory.”

LIGHTING : Community leaders welcome the funding announcement that will boost the quality of public lighting in Margaret Stevenson Park in Glenroi. Picture (l. to r.) are Orange Mayor Reg Kidd, Bowen Technology Centre coordinator Paul Townsend, Member for Calare Andrew Gee and Bowen Residents Action Group member Ron Gander.

Orange Mayor Reg Kidd welcomed the funding announcement.

“The Safer Communities in Orange project will install high level, standalone solar lighting, new CCTV and upgrades to existing cameras and bollards at strategically selected pathways, roads, park areas and laneways,” said Cr Kidd.

“The locations have been identified through a Community Safety Audit, in consultation with NSW Police Local Area Command, Council Committees, NGOs, local businesses and the community.”

Sites that will benefit from the funding include the Glenroi Community Centre, Glenroi Oval, Marang Gunya Community Centre, Margaret Stevenson Park, Eyde Park and Jindalee Avenue.

The Federal Government has allocated a further $30 million in the 2018-19 Budget to the Safer Communities Fund.

The Safer Communities Fund, a 2016 election commitment, initially received $40 million to support local communities address crime and anti-social behaviour and to protect organisations that may face risks from racial or religious intolerance.