Police Beat to bring permanent CBD presence for Nambour by year’s end
From left, Chief Inspector Jason Overland, Nicklin MP Marty Hunt, former Chamber president Chrissy Jones, Premier David Crisafulli, Police Minister Dan Purdie and Assistant Police Commissioner Kevin Gutteridge.
A new Police Beat is set to open in Nambour’s CBD by the end of the year, heralding a permanent policing presence in the town centre after a campaign spanning nearly two decades.
The Lowe Street site was selected following consultation with local business owners and police representatives, and will house a full-time officer along with interview and meeting rooms, and a reception area.
The Police Beat forms part of the Queensland Government’s $290 million program of new and upgraded police facilities across the state. It also complements a new CCTV network planned for Nambour to boost community safety and deter antisocial behaviour.
Premier David Crisafulli said the project was a clear example of the government’s focus on rebuilding frontline policing and community confidence.
“We’re restoring safety where you live with a new permanent police presence in Nambour’s CBD,” Mr Crisafulli said. “This is what we said we would do, and we’re delivering it. Having this facility here gives the community visibility, reassurance and access to police in the heart of town.”
Police and Emergency Services Minister Dan Purdie said the new facility would support both safety and perception of safety in the community.
“It’s about returning police to where they’re needed most,” Mr Purdie said. “Having officers on the ground, visible and available, will make a real difference.”
Nicklin MP Marty Hunt, a former police officer who served in Nambour, said the announcement was the culmination of a community campaign stretching back 20 years.
“It’s been a long road to get here,” Mr Hunt said. “In community surveys, safety has consistently been one of Nambour’s biggest concerns. This Police Beat means locals will see more officers on the ground and a stronger partnership between police and the community.
“A safer Nambour starts here. This gives people confidence and supports the growing investment we’re seeing in town.”
Former Chamber of Commerce president Chrissy Jones, who led an early petition in 2005 with more than 3000 signatures, said it was gratifying to see the effort finally pay off.
“It’s very exciting for me today because I always believed a police beat would make Nambour safer and help build trust between police and the community,” she said.
