By Brendan Rees
A multi-million, 24-hour police station for Clyde North will be built for one of the fastest growing suburbs in the state – no matter who wins the state election.
Labor announced on Monday 5 November pledging to invest $34 million to build a state-of-the-art police station if elected at the state election.
The exact site for the new station, which will serve the communities of Clyde North and Officer, has yet to be determined by the state ALP party.
Last November, the Coalition promised $15 million for a new police station in Clyde North by the end of 2019, if they win the election.
The new station will be open to the public but will also function as a hub station to relieve pressure on Cranbourne and surrounding stations, the Coalition pledged.
Labor says their new police station will accommodate uniform police officers as well as interview rooms, conference rooms, discrete public consultation facilities and a high-level of security – with construction due to be completed by 2022.
Minister for Police Lisa Neville said the police station will be highly visible, more accessible to the community and better suits operational needs.
“We’ve listened to Victoria Police and we’re giving them the modern facilities they need, as well as the powers, resources and tools to keep Victorians safe,” she said.
Labor Candidate for Cranbourne Pauline Richards said: “This new station will put the police in the heart of our community, and allow our local police force to grow in facilities that are fit for purpose.”
Labor says it’s delivering the “single biggest funding boost in the history” of the Victoria Police force, with more than $2 billion to recruit 3,135 more police, and upgrade and build new police stations, across the state.
However, according to the Coalition crime in Clyde was up 91.59 per cent with crimes against the person up 127 per cent, as well as crime up more than 40 per cent in Cranbourne since Daniel Andrews was elected.
“Only the Liberal Nationals have the plans and resolve to tackle the law and order crisis confronting Casey,” Shadow Minister for Police Edward O’Donohue said.
Opposition Leader Matthew Guy said Daniel Andrews had “lost control” of law and order, and only the Liberal Nationals will make Victoria safe by building new police stations.
