A new police facility and fire station are expected to be built in a rapidly growing Sunshine Coast suburb by next year.
The state government is investing $22 million to make them a reality in Caloundra South.
The $13.5 million police facility will host 30 police officers, including general duties officers and investigators attached to the Criminal Investigation Branch and Child Protection and Investigation Unit.
It should be built by next year, weather conditions permitting.
Police Minister Mark Ryan said the service needed a presence there.
“Caloundra South is a rapidly growing area and we need to put infrastructure and personnel in place to support the people moving into these growth areas,” he said.
“The police officers based at the new Caloundra South police facility will provide the community with a strong police presence and the adjoining fire and rescue station and the extra firefighters will ensure that people and property are given every possible protection.”
Sunshine Coast District Superintendent Craig Hawkins said the new police base would allow local police to meet the needs of the comnunity.
“This facility will be purpose-built to allow a more localised approach to policing, allowing for a more efficient and effective response,” he said.
“We are committed to delivering modern, mobile and flexible policing across the Sunshine Coast District to meet strategic and operational priorities as well as local needs.
“This new facility once built will allow us to continue to serve the diverse Caloundra community as it continues to grow and flourish.”
A new $8.5m fire and rescue station will be co-located at the same site and will host 23 firefighters.
It should also be built by next year, weather conditions permitting.
Queensland Fire and Emergency Services Commissioner Greg Leach said it would allow crews to respond to call-outs more effectively.
“Any new facility is a welcomed addition, and this station will support our hard-working crews as they continue to respond swiftly and efficiently to incidents and disasters affecting their communities,” he said.
“Caloundra Command is well-versed in a range of jobs including fires, road crashes and mountain rescues, and the firefighters stationed here will enhance service delivery in the region.”
Caloundra MP Jason Hunt said the facilities would make a considerable impact.
“I know what a difference they will make to the Caloundra community,” he said.
“Community safety is always my number one concern, and these new facilities and the frontline police and firefighters will make a very real difference.”
