A $1.1 million Police Beat has officially opened in the CBD of a Sunshine Coast town where residents have expressed safety concerns.
The Lowe Street facility was expected to ensure a permanent, high-visibility police presence to the heart of Nambour.
The state government stated that it provides a “frontline base” for police with interview and meeting rooms, reception and waiting area and full-time staffing so officers are visible and accessible to the community.
It also has the capacity for officers from the District Crime Prevention Unit, Criminal Investigation Branch, Child Protection and Investigation Unit and other specialist areas to utilise the facilities and accommodation.
The Police Beat was established following consultation with local businesses and frontline police, and it will work alongside a new state-of-the-art CCTV network in the CBD.
Its opening comes after residents expressed safety concerns amid a homelessness crisis.
Minister for Police and Emergency Services Dan Purdie said the facility meant there was “visible policing, more officers on the ground and stronger action on crime”.
“This is part of our plan to make the Sunshine Coast safer,” he said.
“This new police beat is just another example of how we are giving police the tools and resources they need to do their jobs and restore safety where you live.”
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Deputy Commissioner Mark Kelly said the Police Beat would improve police visibility in the town centre and allow officers to respond effectively to local needs.
“This facility will ensure our officers are better positioned to engage with the community and address safety concerns as they arise,” he said.
“This new Police Beat will enable a more substantial and visible police presence in the CBD, serving a population of about 20,000, while also strengthening community relationships.”
Superintendent Sunshine Coast District Officer Craig Hawkins said the facility welcomed the space.
“The Police Beat will be a beneficial support not only to the Nambour CBD community but also to our main station at Nambour,” he said.
“The officer stationed at the Police Beat will be able to work the local area on foot, monitoring public behaviour, building rapport with businesses and boosting confidence in our protective efforts to continue the police’s essential role in keeping our local community safe.”
