Published Friday, 02 March, 2007 at 08:35 AM
Minister for Police and Corrective Services
The Honourable Judy Spence
THE STRAND CLOSER TO RECEIVING POLICE BEAT
Police Minister Judy Spence and the Minister for Natural Resources and Water, Craig Wallace, have today revealed that an agreement has been reached to establish a new Police Beat on The Strand.
Ms Spence said the Queensland Police Service will develop a stand-alone facility on existing vacant land, which will be leased from the Department of Natural Resources and Water.
“This new police beat is a long-term investment in community safety,” Ms Spence said.
“There is widespread support for more police resources in Townsville, particularly along The Strand which attracts a large number of local families and tourists.
“I am very pleased that an agreement has been reached which will provide long-term benefits to residents and visitors to the area.”
Mr Wallace said public consultation closed on 22 January and only one objection was received.
“This concern was thoroughly investigated by the department and the green light has been given for the development to proceed,” Mr Wallace said.
“I’ve no doubt that the police beat will be well received by the community and I’m pleased that my department has been able to assist the Police Service in securing a suitable site for the facility.”
Ms Spence said planning for a new, low-set facility to be established on the site was now underway.
“This new beat will deliver extra police resources and infrastructure to the area – as well as extra police,” Ms Spence said.
“Due to the unique nature of The Strand Police Beat, a staffing model is currently being developed and up to six officers may be staffed there.
“The beat will also be equipped with a marked police vehicle to conduct regular patrols of the area and respond to calls for service.”
“Additional support will be provided by officers from Townsville Police Station.”
Ms Spence said tenders for construction would be called by early March.
“Over the past three years, the Beattie Government has already spent more than $9.6 million to improve the working conditions and infrastructure for police in the region,” Ms Spence said.
“This has resulted in the refurbishment of the Kirwan Police Station, the new Vincent Police Beat, and the construction of the Mundingburra Complex to accommodate both the District and Regional Offices.
“Planning is also underway to establish a new multi-million dollar Police Station in Stuart.
“We are focussing on ensuring Queensland’s police have the best possible infrastructure, resources and support to work with the community in fighting crime,” Ms Spence said.
Media contact: Sarah Martin 3239 6172 / 0408 732 491
Ms Spence said the Queensland Police Service will develop a stand-alone facility on existing vacant land, which will be leased from the Department of Natural Resources and Water.
“This new police beat is a long-term investment in community safety,” Ms Spence said.
“There is widespread support for more police resources in Townsville, particularly along The Strand which attracts a large number of local families and tourists.
“I am very pleased that an agreement has been reached which will provide long-term benefits to residents and visitors to the area.”
Mr Wallace said public consultation closed on 22 January and only one objection was received.
“This concern was thoroughly investigated by the department and the green light has been given for the development to proceed,” Mr Wallace said.
“I’ve no doubt that the police beat will be well received by the community and I’m pleased that my department has been able to assist the Police Service in securing a suitable site for the facility.”
Ms Spence said planning for a new, low-set facility to be established on the site was now underway.
“This new beat will deliver extra police resources and infrastructure to the area – as well as extra police,” Ms Spence said.
“Due to the unique nature of The Strand Police Beat, a staffing model is currently being developed and up to six officers may be staffed there.
“The beat will also be equipped with a marked police vehicle to conduct regular patrols of the area and respond to calls for service.”
“Additional support will be provided by officers from Townsville Police Station.”
Ms Spence said tenders for construction would be called by early March.
“Over the past three years, the Beattie Government has already spent more than $9.6 million to improve the working conditions and infrastructure for police in the region,” Ms Spence said.
“This has resulted in the refurbishment of the Kirwan Police Station, the new Vincent Police Beat, and the construction of the Mundingburra Complex to accommodate both the District and Regional Offices.
“Planning is also underway to establish a new multi-million dollar Police Station in Stuart.
“We are focussing on ensuring Queensland’s police have the best possible infrastructure, resources and support to work with the community in fighting crime,” Ms Spence said.
Media contact: Sarah Martin 3239 6172 / 0408 732 491