{"id":204796,"date":"2018-03-21T17:43:56","date_gmt":"2018-03-21T07:43:56","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/southburnett.com.au\/news2\/?p=204796"},"modified":"2020-08-06T09:38:17","modified_gmt":"2020-08-05T23:38:17","slug":"mp-attacks-crime-watch-cuts","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/southburnett.com.au\/news2\/2018\/03\/21\/mp-attacks-crime-watch-cuts\/","title":{"rendered":"MP Attacks Crime Watch Cuts"},"content":{"rendered":"
\"\"<\/a>
Opposition Leader and Member for Nanango Deb Frecklington with Darren Buckley, from Murgon Neighbourhood Watch … residents are concerned about the level of crime in the region\u00a0
(Photo: Nanango Electorate Office)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

March 21, 2018<\/strong><\/p>\n

Murgon needs a funding boost for crime prevention, not a massive 85 per cent funding cut in Neighbourhood Watch services, Opposition Leader and Member for Nanango Deb Frecklington said on Wednesday.<\/p>\n

Mrs Frecklington said she was appalled funding for the Queensland’s 400 Neighbourhood Watch groups had been slashed from $500,000 a year to just $75,000.<\/p>\n

\u201cIn communities like Murgon, we need a funding boost for crime prevention, not savage cuts like we\u2019re seeing with this Labor Government,\u201d Mrs Frecklington said.<\/p>\n

\u201cAt my Mobile Office in Murgon last week, I met with many people who are concerned about the level of crime in the region.<\/p>\n

\u201cI just can\u2019t believe the Palaszczuk Government would target groups like Neighbourhood Watch for spending cuts.<\/p>\n

\u201cNeighbourhood Watch volunteers are a vital link between police and communities and we have several successful groups around the South Burnett including Kumbia, Wondai and Murgon which have been operating for many years.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe need to boost community involvement in crime prevention, not destroy it.”<\/p>\n

Murgon Neighbourhood Watch Area Co-ordinator Darren Buckley met with Mrs Frecklington at the Murgon Mobile Office and agreed the funding cuts were very concerning.<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ve been involved with Neighbourhood Watch for about 15 years,” he said.<\/p>\n

“It\u2019s disappointing to see funding cuts, especially in Neighbourhood Watch\u2019s 30th year, when we should be celebrating our many achievements.\u201d<\/p>\n

Police Minister Mark Ryan said funding for the program had come from the Queensland Police Service’s own budget.<\/strong><\/p>\n

“If the Commissioner decides it is better to fund other crime-fighting measures, such as resourcing officers or more police on the beat, that is his decision and I support it,\u201d Mr Ryan told media.<\/p>\n

Footnote: LNP Member for Ninderry Dan Purdie, a former police officer, has launched an online petition<\/a> against the Neighbourhood Watch funding cuts.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Related articles:<\/strong><\/p>\n