PORT Macquarie police are finally getting rid of their “rabbit warren” and they don’t have to lose the view.
Minister for Police and Counter-terrorism Yasmin Catley announced the $20 million upgrade of the station during a visit to Port Macquarie on Tuesday.
“This will be a state-of-the-art station, fit for a modern police force,” Ms Catley said.
“We have to make sure that they have the technology that they require to do their work.
“$20 million is a major investment. It will be pretty much a remake of what we have.”
Member for Port Macquarie Rob Dwyer said a new station was earmarked in the 2021 State Budget, which triggered the search for a new location.
“Despite some false starts while the Police Infrastructure and Assets Command searched for a potential site, it was determined that the current location on the corner of Hay Street and Sunset Parade was the most suitable location.”
Mid North Coast Police District Superintendent Shane Cribb said the announcement was “great news”.
“The main thing I can say is that my office will still have a water view,” he laughed.
“I can already tell you, the smile on the police faces is amazing. With a new police station comes a new vibe.”
Acting Assistant Commissioner Paul Dunstan (Northern Region Command), described the station, built in 1991, as a “very tired, old police building.”
“It is not fit for purpose, it is not fit for modern policing.”
The work will include:
– New General Duties area
– Purpose-built charge and custody area
– Upgraded public foyer for improved community access
– An expanded first floor
– Modern amenities for staff, including new male and female locker rooms, conference rooms and a staff meal room.
The station will accommodate up to 100 police personnel including General Duties police, detectives, the Crime Prevention Unit, police prosecutors, Traffic and Highway Patrol, and forensic and administration staff.
The project is currently in the design phase and is expected to go to tender in September 2025.
The revamped station should be operational in 2027 with a temporary shopfront set-up on-site during construction and nearby police stations used when necessary.
By Sue STEPHENSON
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