Crime-fighting services are being toughened up on the Sunshine Coast to help ensure the safety of residents as the region’s population surges.
A new multimillion-dollar police station at Nambour, which will house multiple units, has officially opened while a new station is on the way at Cooroy.
The Nambour Police Station was opened by Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk as part of the State Government’s Community Cabinet activities on the Sunshine Coast.
The Premier was joined by Police Minister Mark Ryan, Police Commissioner Katarina Carroll and Member for Nicklin Rob Skelton, for the unveiling of the $8.3 million facility at 170 Currie Street.
It will house the Nambour Police Station, the Highway Patrol Group, Sunshine Coast Forensic Crash Unit, Sunshine Coast District Criminal Investigation Branch, Sunshine Coast District Child Protection Investigation Unit and the Sunshine Coast District Intelligence Unit.
It will be staffed with 30 police officers and resourced with six marked police vehicles, two unmarked crime services vehicles and two forensic crash vehicles with drone capability.
The Premier said the station would help keep local communities safe.
“Our police service is first-rate and we need to ensure they have the best facilities and resources in their communities, to ensure Queenslanders can continue to enjoy the lifestyle we have come to expect,” she said.
She said the Nambour community now had “a fantastic policing resource right here on their doorstep.”
The old station, built in the ’60s, was run-down and demolished in 2020. Local police have operated in a temporary building for the past two years.
Queensland Police Union President Ian Leavers said it was crucial to have modern facilities and equipment, for police to perform at their best
“The Sunshine Coast is one of our busiest regions and the new, up-to-date facilities at Nambour will play a key role in ensuring the safety of residents, businesses and visitors,’’ he said.
Minister Mark Ryan said there was “record expenditure for police.”
“The $3 billion-plus police budget included more than 20 upgrades or new builds across the state,” he said.
Mr Skelton said Nambour was a growing community that played a key role in the residential, tourism and business sectors of the Sunshine Coast.
“We are fortunate to live in one of the best places in Australia,” he said.
Commissioner Carroll said the opening of the new station demonstrated the Queensland Police Service’s commitment to the region.
“The Sunshine Coast is well known for being a beautiful place to live and work, so it is no surprise that the region has seen growth in residents and tourists flocking to the area,” she said.
“This new station has been built fit for purpose and will deliver professional policing services to meet the complex demands of a dynamic, diverse and thriving community.”
Meanwhile, Minister Ryan joined Commissioner Carroll to talk to Cooroy community members about the replacement police facility there.
Construction was scheduled to start in early 2023, with completion due in 2024.
The State Government committed $4 million for the facility.
Minister Ryan said he was pleased to “consult on the design of this new facility to incorporate local expectations.”
Mr Skelton said the new Cooroy station would help serve and protect residents of another growing town.
“Cooroy, like much of the Sunshine Coast, continues to grow and I am delighted that the new station will look to the future of our community’s needs,” he said.
Commissioner Carroll said the new facility would replace the current split-level station, built 55 years ago.
“The existing station currently consists of five officers and one administration officer,” she said.
“I am thrilled that our Property and Facilities team and Cooroy officers are working together on the facility layout, which currently includes an office for the officer in charge, a general duties day room, equipment store, holding cell and interview room.
“I am very proud of the work our officers do in this part of the state and am keen to hear what our community members require from police in the area.”
State Government officials were involved in several engagements on Monday, when State Cabinet met in Nambour for the first time in 36 years.
The Premier praised the town and surrounding area.
“Nambour is a Sunshine Coast gem steeped in history with a bright future,” she said.
“It’s also the gateway to the Sunshine Coast hinterland and recognised for its vintage trails, thriving café and craft beer scene and of course the Big Pineapple.
State Government officials inspected progress on the $86.2 million Nambour Hospital redevelopment, which will be completed by next year and deliver 118 extra beds.
The Premier also said they were determined to see vital road and rail projects through.
“We’re committed to the $550.8 million Beerburrum to Nambour Rail Upgrade Stage 1, jointly funded with the Australian Government,” she said.
“Plus there’s the $301.3 million Bruce Highway, Maroochydore Road and Mons Road interchanges upgrade, also jointly funded with the Australian Government.”
The Premier also announced upgrades to education facilities in the region.
“This includes $10.4 million for Yandina State School to deliver a two-storey learning centre that will include six classrooms, an outdoor learning area, administration and staff area and space for future growth,” she said.
“And $10.7 million for a new Performing Arts Centre at Burnside High School.”
The Premier said there were improved services across the Sunshine Coast, with $35.2 million invested to expand and improve social housing and $5.7 million for homelessness services.
There was also a community reception lunch on Monday at the Nambour RSL, where the Premier presented a historical photo to Sunshine Coast Mayor Mark Jamieson.
Help keep independent and fair Sunshine Coast news coming by subscribing to our free daily news feed. All it requires is your name and email. See SUBSCRIBE at the top of this article.
