Council submits LGAQ motion to tackle costs of crime

A proposal to provide not-for-profit organisations grant funding to assist with the cost of crime is among five motions Council has submitted for consideration at this year’s Local Government Association of Queensland Annual Conference.

To be held on the Gold Coast from 20 to 22 October and themed Pathways to Liveability, the conference brings together 77 member councils from across Queensland to discuss issues that significantly impact local communities.

Council is proposing that the State Government introduces a proactive grant funding program to assist community not-for-profits who are increasingly bearing the financial burden of damage, theft, and security-related expenses. For example, the Mulgrave Combined Cricket Club, which leases a Council facility in the Edmonton area, has in incurred costs of more than $150,000 over the past 18 months to rectify damage from break ins and frequent vandalism.

Across this sporting precinct and southern part of the region, Council has incurred costs of $500,000 to rectify damages.

Council will submit another four motions to be considered, including:

• Better use and management of community purpose reserves
• State and federal funding programs to help councils address heat-related risks at the local level
• Enabling councils to apply for restricted trading hours for detached bottle shops in specified areas where such restrictions are considered to be in the public interest
• Advocacy for increased federal funding to unlock housing supply.

Motions passed at the annual conference then inform and underpin the LGAQ advocacy agenda.

Mayor Amy Eden and Deputy Mayor Brett Olds were appointed as Council’s delegates to the LGAQ Annual Conference.