Local businesses and community groups in Tweed are being encouraged to share their crime prevention ideas and apply for up to $250,000 in NSW Government funding.

Member Tweed, Geoff Provest, said more than $2.6 million is available as part of the $10 million Community Safety Fund designed to help locals make their neighbourhoods safer places to live.

“Unfortunately, crime has a significant impact on our community, which is why supporting projects that improve safety and reduce anti-social behaviour and reoffending is a great investment,” Mr Provest said.

“Local residents are often best placed to know what the problems are and how these could be minimized.”

Attorney General Mark Speakman said grants are available for initiatives that target anti-social behaviour, promote safe use of public spaces and encourage collaboration to reduce crime.

“Some of the ideas that have been funded include a mobile youth centre, a street beat program for at-risk Indigenous kids, security improvements for sporting fields and solar street lights to improve safety for pedestrians,” Mr Speakman said.

Minister for Police Troy Grant said the Community Safety Fund was launched in 2015 to support NSW in becoming an even safer place to live, especially in disadvantaged, regional and remote areas.

“The NSW Government is proud to support local projects to help people feel safe and proud of their community because together we can make a difference to reduce both crime and the fear of crime,” Mr Grant said.

Applications opened on 9 July and will close at 5pm on Friday, 10 August. For more information go to www.crimeprevention.nsw.gov.au