The Minister for Police, Bob Cameron, today joined local State Member for
Cranbourne District, Jude Perera MP in turning the first sod at the site
of the new $8.2 million Carrum Downs Police Station at 42 Ballarto Rd.
"The new Carrum Downs Police Station will improve services in the
community," Mr Cameron said.
Mr Cameron said the Government was delivering on its election promise of a
well-resourced police force with modern police stations, enabling police
to serve the community and fight crime together with appropriate equipment
and technological support.
Mr Cameron said the State Government had committed $450 million to
building and refurbishing more than 160 police stations and residences, as
part of its biggest ever construction program.
"This $8.2 million station is expected to be completed by August 2010."
"The station will house the Uniform Branch, Traffic Management Unit, and a
Fingerprints Unit.
"Significant ecological design initiatives including energy saving
electrical and mechanical systems and rain water harvesting facilities for
irrigation have been included in the design.
"The State Government has made record investments in police, and will
continue to fund Victoria Police to help make Victoria safer," he said.
"The current Victoria Police budget is $1.89 billion - the largest budget
ever for police in this state.
"The Victorian Government recently announced that it will fund an
additional 120 police officers to help make Victorian streets safer.
"These 120 officers are additional to the 1400 additional police recruited
since 1999, and on top of the 350 additional police promised for this term
of Government."
Mr Cameron said there were more police on the beat in Victoria than ever
before.
"Victoria Police is one of the largest police services in the western
world with more than 13,600 staff and 334 police stations across
Victoria," he said.
"This includes the 50 additional police fast-tracked last year to fight
crime in the CBD."
The State Member for Cranbourne District, Jude Perera MP said, "It has
been a pleasure working closely with local residents and representatives
from local community groups, who have worked with me hand in hand in
delivering this police station for their local community."
