PLANNING UNDERWAY FOR NEW $5.5M MANGO HILL/NORTH LAKES STATION

Police Minister Judy Spence has announced that land has been purchased and planning is well underway for a new $5.5 million police station to be built in the Mango Hill - NorthLakes area.

Ms Spence, who was in NorthLakes today for a Community Cabinet meeting, said the Queensland Police Service had purchased land at Endeavour Drive in NorthLakes, and had already begun preliminary planning.

“Construction is expected to begin during the 2007-08 financial year, with the station due to be built and operation in the following year,” Ms Spence said.

“The Mango Hill - NorthLakes area is one of Queensland’s fastest growing communities.

“The new station will support Metropolitan North Police by providing better resources and tools to combat crime.

“This project is about planning ahead in Queensland’s growth areas, making sure that there is a permanent police presence that will ensure the safety of the local community in the years to come.”

Ms Spence said the new station was a 2006 State Election commitment, one of more than 20 new or replacement stations to be built over four years.

“Mango Hill – NorthLakes station is part of a $260 million election commitment to create six new police divisions and build more than 20 new police stations and facilities around the state over four years,” Ms Spence said.

“The Member for Murrumba, Dean Wells, has lobbied strongly for the new station and more police for the local community.

“This project is now part of the Beattie Government’s statewide capital works plan, focussing on ensuring that Queensland’s police have the best possible infrastructure, resources and support to work with the community to fight crime.

“The Beattie Government has been increasing police numbers in the Metropolitan North Region to keep pace with the growth of the region, and since 1998 we have increased police numbers in this police region by 27%, from 895 to 1,138 today.

Media contact – Alison Smith 3239 6218