‘A safer Nambour starts here’: Hunt says Police Beat marks a ‘new era of safety and confidence’ for Nambour

Marty Hunt at Thursday’s media call ... “This is a win for the people of Nambour who never stopped believing in the town and what it can be.” 

by Cameron Outridge

Nicklin MP Marty Hunt says the new Nambour Police Beat represents a turning point for community safety and confidence in the town’s CBD after two decades of advocacy.

Speaking at the announcement alongside Premier David Crisafulli and Police Minister Dan Purdie, Mr Hunt said the project was a direct response to long-held concerns about safety and visibility of police in the town centre.

“It’s been a long two-decade campaign and it’s great to be here today to deliver this for Nambour,” Mr Hunt said. “Community surveys have consistently shown that safety is one of the biggest issues for locals, and this Police Beat means more officers on the ground and a stronger partnership between police and the community.”

Mr Hunt said the idea for a Police Beat in Nambour had first been raised in the early 2000s, with a petition in 2005 attracting more than 3,000 signatures.

“I’m proud to stand here with Chrissy Jones, who led that original campaign nearly 20 years ago,” he said. “It’s been a long time coming, and I’m proud to be part of a government that listens and delivers.”

Mr Hunt said the new Police Beat would not only improve safety but also help boost business confidence in the town.

“A safer Nambour starts here,” he said. “When people feel safe, business confidence grows — and we’re already seeing that reflected in the level of private investment coming back into the town. There’s more than $150 million in new projects under way, and this Police Beat adds to that sense of momentum.”

Mr Hunt thanked local police and community members for their persistence.

“This is a win for the people of Nambour who never stopped believing in the town and what it can be,” he said.

 Assistant Police Commissioner Kevin Gutteridge said the new facility would serve as a visible hub for local operations, improving access for residents and business owners while supporting ongoing patrols across the wider area.  “It's a big change for Nambour,” he said. “It's a great announcement for policemen on the Sunshine Coast that really reflects our commitment to getting coppers back on the street working with their community. What it does not mean is that there is only one officer responsible for community safety. The entire Nambour Police Station will continue to serve Nambour in support of that officer. Also our specialist units such as our crime prevention units will also work in this facility from time to time.” 

 Former Nambour Jewellers owner Keira Fiorenza who began a safety petition some years ago – but eventually closed her shop after a string of break-ins – said she “definitely would've felt safe if the police beat was located three shops up from my previous Nambour Jewellers store”. “Let's hope more businesses will open up shops again due to a safer environment with more police presence. It's such great news for the community,” she said.