Brisbane clubs hit by dumping and vandalism win safety help
Half-a-million dollars in grants are being handed out to tackle safety in Brisbane suburbs including supporting one club fighting illegal dumping and having its fields being torn up by motorcyclists.
More than 70 community clubs targeted by vandalism and breakins are sharing a $500,000 cash boost as part of the Safer Surburbs Grants.
Among them is Yeronga Eagles Football Club at Leyshon Park, which has faced vandalism, illegal dumping and theft. Now the club would be installing CCTV to improve safety for members and neighbouring clubs.
Club president Julio Menendez said the club has been subjected to the illegal dumping of rubbish and discarded furniture on a weekly basis due to industrial bins being located on the grounds.
He said the club also has had its fields torn up by motorcyclists and had goal posts worth up to $2500 stolen.
“This grant will definitely be a deterrent for people to think twice and will assist in keeping the facilities that our club has worked so hard to keep,” Menendez said.
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Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner said clubs across Brisbane have been targeted by vandalism and break-ins, costing the community money.
“Installing CCTV, new locks and better lighting may seem like small steps, but together, they make a big difference in deterring crime and protecting the places where our communities connect,” Schrinner said.
Through the Safer Suburbs Grants, 141 local organisations have been supported to install security systems, CCTV cameras and lighting upgrades.
Some of this year’s grant recipients include Toombul Cricket Club to install clubhouse locks, groundskeeping sheds and change rooms, as well as Brisbane Super Kings Cricket Club at Calamvale for CCTV cameras to deter vandalism.
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Brothers Rugby Club Albion will enhance their CCTV systems for members arriving early or leaving late.
Across the 72 grants being rolled out, Brisbane clubs will also be able to upgrade security screens, replace floodlights and install alarm systems, security fencing and sensor lights.
Toombul District Cricket Club president Andrew Cranstoun said the Safer Suburbs grants would improve security at the club.
“Over the years, we’ve had our fair share of break-ins and vandalism, but thanks to this funding we can finally replace all the locks and make our facilities much more secure,” Cranstoun said.
“Our club’s been part of this community since 1882 and keeping our grounds safe means we can spend less time fixing damage and more time playing the game we love.”
The Safer Suburbs program was first announced at the 2024 Election to address reports of recurring vandalism and crime at council facilities. The program announcement offered grants of up to $10,000 to introduce effective safety solutions.
This second round of investments includes 72 grants, bringing the total to more than $980,000 since the initiative’s launch in 2024.
Fixed CCTV cameras have been installed at 10 locations across Brisbane suburbs and a further 26 mobile cameras would be rolled out for each Brisbane City Council ward.
These mobile cameras can move across the suburb based on feedback from police, community and council security experts.
