Two separate grants open to activate places and make nights safer

The Activate My Place! (AMP!) program has been run previously, with many good examples of projects funded throughout our region.

The Safe Night Precincts (SNP) Safety Initiative Grant is a new opportunity open to eligible commercial businesses or incorporated bodies in the City Centre.

Mayor Greg Williamson said grants of up to $3000 were available for projects within the Queensland Government’s designated Safe Night Precinct boundary under the new initiative.

He said the funding was aimed at improving the night-time economy, community safety and connectivity around licensed venues within the Safe Night Precinct.

“The grants can be used for projects like external lighting for safety or ambience or external CCTV – either replacement or new.

“Basically, any project that will improve public safety in this precinct could be eligible.”

The Safe Night Precinct Safety Initiative grant is open for applications until midnight, February 18, through council’s Smarty Grants Platform.

More information is available by contacting the Mackay City and Waterfront team via mackaywaterfront@mackay.qld.gov.au or phone 4961 9144.

Mayor Williamson said many Mackay placemakers were already familiar with Activate My Place! (AMP!)

He said some excellent placemaking projects had been funded during previous rounds of this grant program.

“Recent projects include an Indigenous Meeting Place and Healing Garden at the Mackay Base Hospital, reinvigoration of Fifth Lane in the Mackay City Centre and Marian State School's soon-to-be-revealed Pioneer Valley Showcase Mural.

“Council is again calling all placemakers, artists, musicians, businesspeople and community members to submit your creative ideas to activate public spaces across our region.”

The AMP! program can fund up to 80 per cent of a project. There is no maximum grant amount, however, the total amount of funding available for round four of AMP! is $30,000.

In previous rounds, most AMP! program grants have ranged from $3000 to $15,000.

The AMP! program is open for applications until April 8, once again through council’s Smarty Grants platform.

To find out more information about the AMP! placemaking grant program please contact council’s Economic Development program via email business@mackay.qld.gov.au or phone 4961 9587.

There is also information available on council’s website at  mackay.qld.gov.au/amp