Funding to boost safety and security in Port Augusta

Local residents and businesses will benefit from a more than $500,000 investment aimed at improving safety across Port Augusta’s CBD and residential public spaces.

The State Government is partnering with the City of Port Augusta on the investment, with each contributing $271,000 towards stage two of the council’s Safer Spaces Program. The investment builds on earlier safety improvements delivered through stage one of the program, which included a $200,000 investment in a safety audit and significant upgrades to the city’s CCTV network, including the installation of 22 new cameras.

Stage two will support a range of safety initiatives including:

• expanded CCTV coverage, including mobile CCTV capability
• public WiFi charging stations and a digital kiosk
• crime prevention training for Council staff
• support for small business operators to improve shopfront safety
• activation of under-utilised public spaces through community-driven and cultural initiatives.

This funding complements the $12 million Port Augusta and Davenport Community Safety and Wellbeing Plan, jointly supported by the South Australian and Commonwealth Governments.

The ongoing plan places wellbeing, education and community connection at the centre of initiatives designed to support community safety in Port Augusta and Davenport.

The Port Augusta and Davenport Community Alliance, which includes a broad membership of local organisations, Traditional Owners and SA Police, has been working to implement the three-year Community Safety and Wellbeing Plan. The Alliance has met 16 times since October 2024, working with DHS and the National Indigenous Australians Agency (NIAA) to create and launch a range of initiatives based on community and organisation input.

These include:

• A therapeutic court model – the Mangrove Court (Youth Aboriginal Community Court) – being developed with the community to address the underlying causes of offending among young people. This is expected to launch in March 2026.
• An Education Wellbeing Hub to serve as an alternative to school for disengaged young people based on trauma-informed practice, cultural connection and holistic support. This will open in the first term of 2026.
• The Rec Room, which is a safe and welcoming space for 12 to 17 year olds that was directly requested by young people to engage in recreation, education, training and employment services in a safe and semi-structured environment.
• The Beatz Bus, starting in 2026, is a creative hub and mobile stage that goes wherever young people are to record music, create podcasts, explore VR technology, design digital art and work alongside local mentors and role models.
• Summer Fest which is a Davenport Community Council program for young people from January to March 2026 offering activities, workshops, culture, art, collaboration and connection.

Funding has also supported the Return to Country Program, extended opening hours at the Port Augusta Youth Centre, and expanded youth bus services and outreach programs, benefiting hundreds of people across the community.

Read more about the Port Augusta and Davenport Community Safety and Wellbeing Plan.