Scenic Rim MP, Jon Krause, says it is almost “mission complete” for his fight to get Beaudesert a new Police Station, as he welcomed the beginning of work on a temporary police station for Beaudesert, at Oaklands Shopping Centre next to The Greener Grocer, ahead of planned construction of a new station on the site of the existing police station.
He said that more police now need to be allocated to Beaudesert to help keep the community safe.
“I have been fighting for a new police station in Beaudesert since I was elected in 2012 – and the new station will see Beaudesert finally have a police base that is fit for purpose and able to accommodate additional officers for our region,” he said.
“The process started in 2014, a new station was put in the budget in 2017 – over three years ago – and, finally, we are seeing some action. It’s taken this Labor Government a long time to get this happening – but better late than never, that’s for sure.”
Mr Krause said he had been informed by the Queensland Police Service that a temporary police station was needed so that the old, existing station, could be demolished and a replacement facility built on the site. The temporary site could be in use for up to 12 months.
“I know that crime, especially related to drugs, is a big concern for many in our district, and so are the dangerous and disruptive hooning behaviour of some on the road. The old police station was named “dump of the month” by the QLD Police Union way back in 2004 – and things are no better now for the men and women who work there.”
“Under this Labor Government, the number of police per person in Queensland has decreased from 245 per 100,000 people to 233 per 100,000 – that’s a missing 610 officers that Queensland doesn’t have, and that Beaudesert can’t draw upon.”
“A strong police presence is vital to keeping our community safe and prosperous, and I will keep fighting for our fair share of police resources.”