Boost to coastal cop numbers

• Queensland Police Service announces extra police allocations for the Mackay-Isaac-Whitsunday Region
• An additional 20 police positions to be based in the Mackay-Isaac-Whitsunday Region between now and mid-next year
• Allocations are part of the biggest investment in the Queensland Police Service in 30 years
• 28 new police vehicles to be delivered to the region by middle of next year

The Queensland Police Service has announced new police officer growth allocations for the Mackay-Isaac-Whitsunday Region.

In addition, 28 new police vehicles have been allocated to Central Region, 17 of which have been allocated to Mackay Whitsunday District (vehicle allocation includes Bowen, Clermont, Mackay, Moranbah, Sarina, and Whitsunday).

A total of 20 extra police positions have been allocated to the Mackay-Isaac-Whitsunday Region this financial year with Academy training and recruitment efforts at record levels.

The Queensland Police Service has determined that the extra police positions will be allocated across the area including as follows:

• for the Mackay Tactical Crime Squad, five (5) additional police officers;
• for the Mackay Police Station, three (3) additional police with the Child Protection Investigation Unit (CPIU), one (1) additional police officer
• for the Mackay Northern Beaches Police Station, two (2) extra police officers;
• for the Bowen Police Station, four (4) extra police officers;
• for the Moranbah Police Station, one (1) additional general duties police officer and one (1) additional police officer for Moranbah Scenes of Crime (total of 2 extra police officers);
• for the Sarina Police Station, one (1) additional police officer; and
• for the Proserpine Police Station, one (1) additional police officer and one (1) additional Highway Patrol Officer.

The growth in police positions is part of the biggest investment in police personnel in more than 30 years, an investment that will deliver more than 2,000 extra police personnel.

The Queensland Police Service says the record government funding in police will deliver a minimum of 150 extra police officers to each policing region across Queensland.

The Queensland Police Service is currently undertaking its largest training and recruitment program in its history with over 500 police recruits currently at the Queensland’s Police Academies and almost 2,000 applicants in the police recruit pipeline.  It is expected that over 350 new police constables will be sworn into the Queensland Police Service over the next three months.

With significant recruit and employee benefits currently available, there’s no better time for Queenslanders to join the Queensland Police Service.  For more information, visit: www.policerecruit.qld.gov.au.

 Quotes attributable to Premier Steven Miles:

“Queenslanders tell me they want to see more police in their communities – my government is listening and delivering.

“With this uplift, an extra 20 police will be recruited to the Mackay and Whitsunday region by mid-next year as part of our record boost to the frontline.

“These cops will be supported by even more resources, including 28 new high visibility police cars.

“It’s my commitment to Queenslanders that more police and they tools they need to keep communities safe are being delivered where police tell us they are needed.”

Quotes attributable to Acting Police Minister Meaghan Scanlon:

“Queenslanders can rest assured that the Queensland Police Service is undertaking the biggest recruitment campaign in decades to deliver more police to every community across our state.

“The announcement of extra police allocations for this region today is part of the biggest investment in police personnel in decades.

“In addition, police have announced Operation Whiskey Legion, which will see officers from specialist units deployed to regions, including the Mackay-Isaac-Whitsunday region, to provide further support to local police to disrupt and prevent crime.

“And further to that initiative, the government has provided police in the region with additional funding to conduct extreme high-visibility police patrols so that members of the community can be reassured by the on-going presence of police in public places like shopping centres and other high pedestrian traffic areas.”

Quotes attributable to Mackay MP Julianne Gilbert:

“I have advocated strongly for further police resources in the Mackay region and today’s announcement is great for the community.

“People are reassured by a high visibility police presence and that is what we will see more and more of as the Queensland Police Service continues to have record numbers of recruits in our police academies.

“Community safety is paramount and extra police means more boots on the ground supporting the community.”

Quotes attributable to Mackay and Whitsundays District Officer Superintendent Graeme Paine

“Community safety is at the core of our values and these additional frontline and specialised officers combined with extra resources will bolster these efforts.

“We are committed to reducing crime in the Mackay and central Queensland communities and these additional officers will be a welcomed tool to help us achieve that goal.

“Local residents can rest assured these officers will work hard to support and protect their community with a focus on preventing, disrupting and investigating crime.”

Quotes attributable to Acting Commissioner Steve Gollschewski:

“Extra police officers and vehicles for the Mackay Police District is a huge benefit to the local community and the QPS.

“Having more police on the ground will help bolster our efforts in keeping the community safe and ensuring they feel safe as well.

“The QPS is achieving significant results when it comes to police recruitment and I encourage anyone looking for a rewarding career to consider joining the Queensland Police.”

ENDS