Budget - Budget targets community safety, security
Date published: 6 July 2016
The city’s emergency response capabilities will be boosted in the 2016-17 City Budget with $3.6 million in funding for the construction of a new Disaster Coordination Centre in Walker Street.
Work on the new joint Council, State and Federal government-funded centre is set to commence in November, with up to 100 local construction jobs to be created through the build.
With a total price tag of $5.7 million, the centre will ensure the city’s readiness for major cyclonic events. The project has attracted $1.9 million in joint Commonwealth-State Natural Disaster Resilience Program funding.
Mayor Jenny Hill said the centre would provide a safe, centralised hub for communication and the management of emergency responses.
“When a disaster hits, our emergency personal are absolutely vital for the safety and recovery of the local community,” Cr Hill said. “The centre will provide the Townsville Local Disaster Management Group with a purpose built headquarters for the coordination of responses to disaster situations.”
Public safety is big budget feature with $2.12 million set aside for the city’s CCTV network and security patrols.
The funding includes $185,000 to upgrade CCTV network coverage in nominated CBD locations as well as at popular attractions such as Riverway and the Rock Pool.
A further $1.275 million has been allocated for lifeguard services, and $395,000 for six stinger nets at popular swimming beaches.
Highlights
- $3.6M for start of construction on new Disaster Coordination Centre
- $2.12M CCTV, network upgrades and security patrols
- $1.275M lifeguard services
- $395,000 stinger nets on city’s popular beaches
