Seven new police stations will be built in regional Victoria and a further 15 stations will be upgraded, as part of a $36.8 million package to be included in the 2016/17 Victorian Budget.
A total of $596 million will be invested in the Budget for public safety, which will see Victoria Police receive an extra 406 sworn police officers and 52 support personnel, as well as two new forensic hubs built in regional Victoria to help police fast-track investigations into ice and other drug trafficking.
It brings the total number of new police personnel funded by the Andrews Labor Government since it came to office to 1152.
The police station rebuild package will replace or refurbish regional police stations and residences across Victoria, so that police officers have secure and modern facilities, and includes:
- New police stations to replace outdated facilities at Colac, Murtoa, Bright, Warburton, Mallacoota, Cowes and Corryong.
- $2.94 million to refurbish 15 police stations at Bacchus Marsh, Bairnsdale, Benalla, Churchill, Cobden, Geelong, Lakes Entrance, Maffra, Moe, Mount Buller, Portland, Rosebud, Sorrento, Warragul and Warrnambool.
- $3.9 million to replace and refurbish 10 police residences across Victoria.
The new stations and refurbishments will ensure regional police are working in modern facilities, to better support victims, hold perpetrators to account and assist officers in carrying out their critical work.
Quotes attributable to Premier of Victoria Daniel Andrews
“Right across Victoria – in regional towns and the suburbs – we are providing the resources needed to keep Victorians safe.”
Quotes attributable to Acting Police Minister Robin Scott
“This significant investment will mean more police and new and upgraded police stations right across regional Victoria.”
Quotes attributable to Parliamentary Secretary for Justice Ben Carroll
“Community safety is paramount and the Andrews Labor Government is delivering on its commitment to provide better resources for a modern police force.”
