Brisbane restaurant boosts security with Government grant

The Queensland Government is making Queensland safer with 170 small businesses receiving grants under the Secure Communities Partnership Program, helping restore safety around business precincts.

A West End restaurant helping restore safety and prevent crime before it happens, installing $16,000 in security equipment with the help of the program.

Bird’s Nest Co-owner Marie Yokoyama is one of 170 recent recipients in this round of the $40 million Secure Communities Partnership Program, which the Queensland Government is delivering to upgrade security and deter crime, including CCTV, bollards, lockable fencing and improved perimeter security.

Ms Marie Yokoyama said they were installing security equipment, including upgrading the CCTV and an alarm system at Bird’s Nest, our restaurant in West End to deter thieves from breaking and entering.

“In the last five years, there’s been a lot more break and enters in West End and unfortunately our business has been impacted by local crime,” she said.

“It’s very difficult as a business to tackle crime and the cost of installing and upgrading security measures alone while battling so many other aspects of keeping a small business going.

“Theft gets you down as it eats away at the profitability of your business so to have received the Secure Communities Partnership Program grant has been weight lifted off our shoulders.

“We are really grateful for the grant and it’s going to be a great help to us.

“We’re often thinking about replacing a microwave if it breaks, legs falling off chairs or repairing a dishwasher if it’s not working so the last thing that we think about is security, especially because of the costs involved for upgrades.

“Thanks to the grant, security for our business can now be a priority.”

Queensland Small Business Commissioner Nicolle Kelly said the Secure Communities Partnership Program was vital for creating safe and supportive environments where small and family businesses could thrive.

“The Secure Communities Partnership Program is making a real difference for Queensland small and family businesses by reducing crime and improving safety,” Ms Kelly said.

“When businesses and their customers feel secure, it creates a positive environment for growth, stronger relationships, and vibrant local communities.

“By addressing safety concerns, the Queensland Government is not just protecting businesses - its ensuring customers feel confident and secure visiting these areas, which helps local economies to flourish.”

Ms Kelly said the Secure Communities Partnership Program is more than a safety initiative.

“It’s an investment in the future of Queensland’s small businesses,” she said.

“By helping create safer environments to run a business, customers will feel comfortable and secure, which strengthens local businesses and builds thriving, connected communities.”

The Secure Communities Partnership Program aims to uphold the Queensland Government’s commitment in making Queensland safer and preventing crime before it happens.

For more information, including eligibility criteria and application details, visit business.qld.gov.au/securegrant

Last updated:

17 August 2026