Ensuring Queenslanders can enjoy a safe night out in popular places like Cairns will be a key focus of the 2019-20 State Budget.
The Palaszczuk Government will continue to deliver Safe Night Precinct Services in 15 communities across the state, with State Budget funding of $3.3 million this financial year.
Minister for Communities Coralee O'Rourke said Safe Night Precincts, part of the Government's Tackling Alcohol-fuelled Violence Initiative, were helping to change anti-social behaviour and reduce alcohol-fuelled violence.
"The Queensland Government is committed to ensuring Queenslanders can have a safe night out with their friends and loved ones without the threat of violence," Mrs O'Rourke said.
"Safe Night Precincts provide services such as mobile patrols and rest and recovery hubs to provide an added degree of protection for Queenslanders as they enjoy a night out in and around pubs and clubs in popular locations.
"Keeping Queenslanders safe is an integral part of making our communities thrive."
Safe Night Precincts are located in: Airlie Beach, Brisbane City, Broadbeach, Cairns, Fortitude Valley, Gladstone, Ipswich, Mackay, Rockhampton, Sunshine Coast (Caloundra, Maroochydore and Mooloolaba), Surfers Paradise, Toowoomba and Townsville.
Mrs O'Rourke said the Cairns Street Chaplains Service was an example of how Safe Night Precincts were making nights out safer for Queenslanders.
"In the first nine months of the 2018-19 financial year, the Cairns Street Chaplains Service assisted more than 500 people in the Cairns CBD with their rest and recovery service," she said.
"More than 600 people were also assisted by assertive outreach during the same period in Cairns CBD.
"The Palaszczuk Government provided Churches of Christ Queensland more than $140,000 funding during 2018-19 to deliver Safe Night Precinct services through the Cairns Street Chaplains Service.
"Funding these services ensures we are supporting Cairns businesses in and around the Safe Night Precinct and growing our economy for the future.
"This is another example of the Palaszczuk Government's commitment to creating thriving communities where people, regardless of their personal circumstances, can participate and be included in their communities and enjoy social and economic wellbeing."
