Queensland security grants now cover tradie utes and vans
The Queensland Government has opened a new round of its Secure Communities Partnership Program, with up to $20 million available for small and family businesses to pay for security upgrades. For the first time under the Queensland security grants, mobile businesses can apply to protect work vehicles, trailers, tools and equipment, as well as shopfronts and workshops.
How much the Queensland security grants are worth
There are two streams. Amounts exclude GST, and applicants must pay 50% of eligible project costs themselves.
- Small business security grants: $1,500 to $20,000 for mobile businesses, with eligible project costs of at least $3,000.
- Fixed premises, or fixed and mobile combined: $2,500 to $20,000, with eligible project costs of at least $5,000.
- Shared security grants: $20,000 to $200,000 for larger projects that protect at least two small businesses, such as a shopping strip or industrial estate.
In practice, the 50% rule means a $20,000 grant goes with a project worth $40,000 in total.
What the money can pay for
Eligible spending includes alarm systems, access control, surveillance and detection, lighting and environmental security, physical security items, and security for mobile businesses. Shared projects can also fund site-hardening and monitored security systems.
Who can apply for Queensland security grants
A small or family business must meet all of these:
- 19 employees or fewer
- turnover of $10 million or less in 2025-26
- an active ABN and at least one year of trading
- GST registration
- a Queensland headquarters on its Australian Business Register record
Property owners, lessors and other authorised entities can also apply, if the work directly benefits eligible small business tenants. Government departments and local councils cannot apply for the shared grants.
Pay attention to one exclusion. A business that has previously been approved and received funding under the Secure Communities Partnership Program cannot apply again. Insolvent businesses, and subsidiaries of groups with 20 or more employees, are also out.
Closing dates for the Queensland security grants
- Shared security grants: close at 5pm on 29 January 2027. The stream is competitive, so not every eligible application will be funded.
- Small business security grants: close at 5pm on 23 April 2027, or earlier if the funding runs out.
Minister for Small and Family Business Steve Minnikin said the grants are about practical steps, as stolen tools, equipment or stock can put real financial pressure on owners. Master Builders Queensland’s Adam Profke said theft of tools and equipment can hit job timeframes and costs.
Applications start at the Business Queensland site, which has an eligibility checker, the program guidelines and the FAQs. Questions can go to 13 QGOV (13 74 68) or business@cdsb.qld.gov.au.
Related: WA passes law to ban violent offenders from retail stores for up to two years.
General information only, not financial advice. Check the official source before acting.
Source: Queensland Government ministerial media statement; Business Queensland small business security grants and shared security grants.
