Published Wednesday, 22 November, 2006 at 02:28 PM
Minister for Police and Corrective Services
The Honourable Judy Spence
NEW RAINBOW BEACH POLICE BEAT OFFICIALLY OPENED
Rainbow Beach residents have today welcomed two new ‘locals’ into their midst – Senior Constables Damien Callander and Michael Brantz.
Police Minister Judy Spence and Police Commissioner Bob Atkinson today joined the community’s two new neighbourhood police beat officers at a special ceremony to officially open the $550,000 Rainbow Beach Police Beat.
Ms Spence said the beat at 41 Carlo Road provided a permanent policing presence in the community for the first time, and was part of a $1 million investment in policing in the area.
“Rainbow Beach residents now have their very own police living amongst them as part of the community, to work with them to help further reduce crime and improve safety,” Ms Spence said.
“This is a welcome boost to the community, as prior to this all calls for service were responded to by officers at Tin Can Bay station – some 36 kilometres away.
“Senior Constables Callander and Brantz are already working with the community to address issues such as noise complaints, road safety and general crime prevention.”
Ms Spence said Rainbow Beach had experienced significant population growth in recent times.
“This is $550,000 well spent. The location is ideal, as the beat is well situated in the heart of the beat area, is readily accessible to the community, and is close to the local school and businesses,” Ms Spence said.
“The beat is also equipped with a marked police vehicle to respond to calls for service and conduct high visibility patrols, as well as a blue phone for after hours emergencies.
“The beat’s greatest assets, however, are its two officers, who will live locally and work closely with residents to improve community safety.
“A second police residence was purchased in the area in June for $458,000 so that both officers could be based close to the beat when they’re on call.”
Ms Spence said Rainbow Beach is the eighth community on the North Coast to receive its very own neighbourhood police beat, with others located at Tewantin, Burpengary, Beachmere, Margate, Urangan, Tullawong and Narangba.
“The Beattie Government is committed to improving community safety, and the 50 neighbourhood beats that have now been built across the state are helping officers develop strong community-police partnerships to further drive down crime rates,” Ms Spence said.
Ms Spence said the Rainbow Beach police beat was a 2004 State election commitment.
Media contact: Sarah Martin 3239 6172 / 0408 732 491
Police Minister Judy Spence and Police Commissioner Bob Atkinson today joined the community’s two new neighbourhood police beat officers at a special ceremony to officially open the $550,000 Rainbow Beach Police Beat.
Ms Spence said the beat at 41 Carlo Road provided a permanent policing presence in the community for the first time, and was part of a $1 million investment in policing in the area.
“Rainbow Beach residents now have their very own police living amongst them as part of the community, to work with them to help further reduce crime and improve safety,” Ms Spence said.
“This is a welcome boost to the community, as prior to this all calls for service were responded to by officers at Tin Can Bay station – some 36 kilometres away.
“Senior Constables Callander and Brantz are already working with the community to address issues such as noise complaints, road safety and general crime prevention.”
Ms Spence said Rainbow Beach had experienced significant population growth in recent times.
“This is $550,000 well spent. The location is ideal, as the beat is well situated in the heart of the beat area, is readily accessible to the community, and is close to the local school and businesses,” Ms Spence said.
“The beat is also equipped with a marked police vehicle to respond to calls for service and conduct high visibility patrols, as well as a blue phone for after hours emergencies.
“The beat’s greatest assets, however, are its two officers, who will live locally and work closely with residents to improve community safety.
“A second police residence was purchased in the area in June for $458,000 so that both officers could be based close to the beat when they’re on call.”
Ms Spence said Rainbow Beach is the eighth community on the North Coast to receive its very own neighbourhood police beat, with others located at Tewantin, Burpengary, Beachmere, Margate, Urangan, Tullawong and Narangba.
“The Beattie Government is committed to improving community safety, and the 50 neighbourhood beats that have now been built across the state are helping officers develop strong community-police partnerships to further drive down crime rates,” Ms Spence said.
Ms Spence said the Rainbow Beach police beat was a 2004 State election commitment.
Media contact: Sarah Martin 3239 6172 / 0408 732 491