18 April, 2016

The Andrews Labor Government has delivered on its commitment to ensure safer communities in country Victoria, with a package to upgrade police facilities across Gippsland, including a new police station in Mallacoota.

The Government will spend $36.8 million to replace or refurbish regional and rural police stations and residences, so that police officers in country Victoria have safe and modern facilities.

The funding package includes:

• $3.31 million in funding for the new Mallacoota police station, one of seven stations being replaced.

• $2.94 million to refurbish 15 police stations across Victoria, including Bairnsdale, Churchill, Lakes Entrance, Maffra, Moe and Warragul.

• $3.9 million to replace and refurbish 10 police residences across Victoria.

The redevelopment of Mallacoota police station will increase capacity, boost security for police officers and allow offenders to be detained on-site – avoiding the long journey to Bairnsdale police station. This will free up police resources for front-line duties in the community.

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.

The regional stations investment is part of the $596 million Public Safety Package in the 2016-17 Budget, delivering more than  400 extra police and funding for the latest technology and equipment.

Quotes attributable to Member for Eastern Victoria, Harriet Shing:

“The Andrews Labor Government is committed to a strong police presence in country Victoria and this is a significant investment in Gippsland.”

“This support across the region will allow police to better address crime and protect communities across Eastern Victoria.”