The new Cooroy Police Station has been officially opened, with a plaque unveiled to commemorate the occasion.
Police Minister Mark Ryan was joined by Police Commissioner Steve Gollschewski and Nicklin MP Rob Skelton on Wednesday to open the $6 million facility.
The event coincided with the retirement of officer in charge Sergeant Mal Scott, who has served Cooroy for nearly 30 years.
“The new police station will help enhance policing services to the local community now and into the future,” Mr Gollschewski said.
“The QPS is committed to ensuring that Cooroy and the surrounding communities are safe and feels safe.
“I would like to acknowledge the long-term officer in charge of Cooroy Police Station, Sgt Scott, for the contribution he has made to QPS and the local community. I wish him all the best for his retirement.”
Sgt Scott commenced at Cooroy Police Station on November 18, 1997, before his promotion to officer in charge on November 6, 2000.
“I’d like to thank Sergeant Scott for all of his hard work, and contributions to the Cooroy community,” Mr Skelton said.
Construction of the station was completed on July 9 and it became operational on July 25.
Earlier: A new police station is expected to be fully operational soon, delivering “modern and flexible services” to a hinterland town.
The Cooroy Police Station, located at 35 Maple Street, is expected to be functional soon.
Construction was expected to be completed by late July, weather permitting.
A Queensland Police Service spokesperson said the $6.1 million building would replace the facility next door to it, which is “no longer fit for purpose”.
They said the new station would significantly benefit locals.
“The state-of-the-art facility was designed to ensure the delivery of modern, mobile and flexible policing services with allowance for future growth,” they said.
“The improved facility will also be a safe place for the community to attend and engage with police and support services.
“The QPS is committed to ensuring the Cooroy and the surrounding communities feel safe, and are safe, in their own neighbourhood.”
Cooroy Area Residents Association president Rod Ritchie said locals were involved in the planning of the station, which is essentially in the middle of town.
“The state government consulted widely with the Cooroy community to ensure the design of Cooroy’s new police station was a good fit with its location in the old post office precinct,” he said.
“Heritage buildings nearby, apart from the post office, include the Cooroy Memorial Hall and the old shop frontages in Maple Street.
Do you have an opinion to share? Submit a Letter to the Editor at Sunshine Coast News via news@sunshinecoastnews.com.au. You must include your name and suburb.
“A feature of the grounds is the retention of the old police lock-up, which can be now inspected.
“If walls could speak, as they say.”
He said the station would provide the community with an additional sense of security, and it would give those who worked there better resources.
“The new building will be home for an increased police presence in the town and provide a much-needed improvement for local police and ancillary staff,” he said.
The station will be supported by neighbouring divisions and other district resources including Highway Patrol, Tactical Crime Squad, Dog Squad, Criminal Investigation Branch and Child Protection Investigation Branch.
Local journalists supporting local people. 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 at the bottom of this article.
