Rapid response from new site

By EMMA SUN
A SITE for Emerald’s new 24-hour multi-million dollar police station has been revealed.
Deputy Premier and Minister for Police and Emergency Services Peter Ryan made the announcement with Gembrook MP Brad Battin last Monday while inspecting the new site at 386-390 Belgrave Gembrook Road as part of his visit to Emerald.
He also toured the SES building and the CFA.
Mr Ryan said the new $8.8 million station would provide a central and highly visible police presence in the community, with an expected completion date of March 2014.
“This is about delivering a stronger police presence on local streets and in the local community,” Mr Ryan said.
“The town planning documents have been lodged with the Cardinia Shire Council to give the community an opportunity to have their say on the new police station.”
Local resident Peter Nodin, who has fought for a bigger police station in Emerald for more than 10 years, said it was great to see the project in the works.
“It’s a really pleasing result,” he said.
“The new station will give the community a more secure feeling, especially at night.”
The current police station on Kilvington Drive houses about 25 police officers.
Cardinia PSA Inspector Chris Major said they hoped to have one senior sergeant, six sergeants and 24 constables at the new station, which would allow it to operate on a 24-hour basis.
“It would allow us to be fully operational once it’s open, which would allow us to cut down the response times with our night shifts,” he said.
Mr Battin said he was very pleased to see the project become a reality and expects construction to start at the end of the year.
“Victoria Police will soon conduct a community information forum as part of the planning application process where the community will be given information about the new facility, and can provide feedback.”