Bribie Island Policing Gets Boost With Refurbished Police Station

Police Minister Judy Spence and Member for Pumicestone Carryn Sullivan today officially opened the refurbished $2.16 Million Bribie Island Police Station, marking a new era for policing on the island.

Ms Spence said: “The Bligh Government has invested more than $2 Million to refurbish this station, bolstering police services in Bribie Island and surrounding areas.

“The project has revitalised the Bribie Island Police Station, which was built in 1985, giving it space to accommodate the Criminal Investigation Branch and the Child Protection Investigation Unit as well as allowing for future growth.

“In 2006, the Queensland Government made an election commitment to refurbish the Bribie Island Police Station, as part of our four year $260 Million Queensland Police infrastructure plan. I’m pleased to see we have delivered on that promise.

“This new station is an excellent example of the modern police facilities we are investing in right across Queensland – improving police services and keeping up with population growth.

“Over the past ten years more than 500 police have been added to North Coast Police Region, taking numbers from 805 police in 1998 to 1323 police at the beginning of 2009.

“In Bribie Island police strength has been increased by two police per year for the last two years. The Officer in Charge position has been upgraded to Senior Sergeant and a second Sergeant position has been created.

“There are currently three First Year Constables posted to Bribie Island.

“Police have plans to add another two police to Bribie Island Police Station which will increase general duties police strength to 16 police.

“Additionally two detectives will be stationed at Bribie Island Police Station this year.”

Member for Pumicestone Carryn Sullivan said the refurbished station would be welcomed by Bribie Island residents.

“The upgraded facilities will provide a huge boost for our local area – allowing police to better serve the needs of the Bribie Island community,” Ms Sullivan said.

“I know police and the local community will welcome these excellent new facilities,” she said.

Ms Spence said: “Officer-in-Charge Senior Sergeant David Crawford-Raby has been policing Bribie Island since April 2005.

“Senior Sergeant Crawford-Raby has extensive experience across the Sunshine Coast having worked at Caboolture, Redcliffe and Woodford for a number of years.”

Ms Spence said the refurbished Bribie Island Police Station is just one of four major capital works projects due to be completed in the North Coast Region in the next twelve months.

“In the North Coast Region, this includes new stations at Burpengary, Murgon and Sippy Downs as well as the refurbished Bribie Island Police Station,” Ms Spence said.

“Queensland accounts for almost 35% of all police capital expenditure in Australia – helping to keep Queensland strong by boosting infrastructure and creating much-needed jobs.

“Last year alone, we spent more than $163 Million in capital expenditure to build new police stations and upgrade existing ones. This is almost three times the national average!

“The Bligh Government will continue to work with local communities to ensure we provide the facilities and services they need for Tomorrow’s Queensland.”

Media Contact: Minister’s Office – 3239 6203