Townsville, Cairns and Mount Isa residents can apply for Engine Immobiliser voucher from today

Minister for Police and Corrective Services and Minister for Fire and Emergency Services The Honourable Mark Ryan
  • Eligible residents can apply for a $500 engine immobiliser subsidy voucher online from today
  • Engine Immobiliser installers across Queensland are also invited to make their final registration as an approved installer from today
  • The device is installed to the vehicle, and the customer pays any cost difference above $500 (although it’s expected that the subsidy will cover the entire cost of some of the immobilisers available)

The key has officially been turned on the highly anticipated Engine Immobiliser Trial, with eligible residents in the trial areas of Townsville, Cairns and Mount Isa able to apply for a $500 engine immobiliser subsidy voucher from today.

Engine Immobiliser installers are also invited to make their final registrations from today.

We know secondary engine immobilisers add an extra level of protection for car owners and will help police in the fight against property crime.

The initiative is set to provide vehicle owners in Mt Isa, Cairns and Townsville with an additional option to increase the security of their vehicles at a subsidised cost.

Up to 20,000 engine immobilisers are expected to be installed across the trial areas, with 9,000 subsidy vouchers available in Townsville, 8,000 in Cairns and 900 in Mt Isa.

A further 2,100 vouchers will be reserved for distribution to people across the three trial areas identified by police as individuals who would benefit from the installation of an immobiliser device (for example a pensioner who was unaware of the availability of the technology).

Quotes attributable to Police Minister Mark Ryan:

“Owning a vehicle is a significant financial investment and engine immobilisers add an extra level of protection for vehicle owners.

“The aim is to reduce crimes associated with car theft and increase security and safety among Queensland communities, including enhancing community confidence.”

Quotes attributable to member for Mundingburra Les Walker:

“This will provide another crime preventative tool to the community and I’d urge businesses and residents to take part.

“Community safety must come first and as a government we continue to look at innovative ways to do that.”

Assistant Commissioner Christopher Stream quote:

Acting Assistant Commissioner Chris Stream says the Queensland Police Service is actively encouraging the community to take advantage of this crime prevention strategy.

“It is hoped this subsidy will help more residents be able to install these immobilisers on their vehicles, to stop them from falling victim to car thefts.”

“Technology like this can make a real difference to the safety and security of everyone.”

Eligible residents and Engine Immobiliser installers across Queensland who wish to be part of the subsidy trial are invited to register by visiting https://www.police.qld.gov.au/initiatives/vehicle-immobiliser-subsidy-trial from today (August 2) and following the prompts.

/Public Release. View in full here.