- Youth crime early intervention programs the focus of a new $4 million funding package
- Expanding youth diversionary projects like Cairns Safer Streets
- A partnership between Sport and Recreation and the QPS
Youth crime early intervention programs across Queensland will benefit from a new $4 million funding package.
The Youth Development Partnership Fund is a joint initiative between the Department of Tourism, Innovation and Sport and the Queensland Police Service.
The fund will support the continuation and development of new youth mentoring programs for 'at risk' youth which involve sport and adventure-based learning activities.
It will enhance youth early intervention programs including Moonlight Hoops, Project Booyah and Cairns Safer Streets so they increase their reach, while also expanding into new locations.
The fund will support youth programs across Queensland including locations such as Cairns, Townsville, Caboolture, Logan and Toowoomba, with tailored sport and active recreation programs that are best suited to the needs of each region.
Quotes attributable to Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk:
"This fund expands those vital programs that are already helping young people who may be at risk of falling into a life of crime to find a real purpose while opening the door to a world of new opportunities.
"The programs are proven success stories so the time is right to take them to new areas where they can have a positive impact on more young lives while reducing youth crime rates.
"Young people will develop a lasting sense of community and hope for the future with the support of youth mentors, community groups, schools and Indigenous elders."
Quotes attributed to the Member for Cairns Michael Healy:
"These programs are about empowering disconnected youth to take charge of their lives while making Queensland communities safer.
"Cairns Safer Streets is a great example of a program that has made a significant impact at Cairns West as it connects communities and encourages young people and their families to make physical activity a part of their daily lives.
"We know that participation in sport and other activities helps to improve the physical and mental health of all Queenslanders."
Quotes attributable to Sport Minister Stirling Hinchliffe:
"When we use sport as a vehicle to positively engage youth at high risk, we help them develop critical life skills that benefits the wider community.
"Moonlight Hoops is a terrific example of a program that is scoring goals – it allows at risk young Indigenous people to play basketball from 9pm to midnight on a Friday or Saturday night.
"The program expanded into Townsville last year and I know it will work well in other locations, that's why it's important we continue to support it and provide the funding to cover the cost of court hire, staff, uniforms and equipment."
Quotes attributable to Police Minister Mark Ryan:
"Project Booyah is a Queensland Police youth mentoring program that uses adventure activities like abseiling, high ropes courses and mountain biking to teach resilience, decision making and leadership skills.
"The program already operates in Logan, Gold Coast, Ipswich, South Brisbane, Sunshine Coast, Moreton Bay, Cairns, Townsville, Mackay and Rockhampton so we have a great platform to build from.
"These programs are key to reducing and preventing youth crime by ensuring we intervene early and stop these young people from engaging in criminal activity.
