Member for the Mining and Pastoral Region Dave Grills MLC has welcomed yesterday’s official opening of the brand new $2.4 million Yalgoo Police Station.
Mr Grills said he was delighted Yalgoo was the latest regional community to benefit from the State Government’s multi-million dollar program, which is designed to replace and refurbish police stations across the State.
The new local police station, which officially opened its doors yesterday, provided more than triple the previous workforce capacity, Mr Grills said.
“This safe and modern workplace will ensure our local police officers are afforded the space and working environment they deserve,” Mr Grills said.
“The new Yalgoo station can accommodate up to 10 officers plus support staff, which will ensure there is adequate room for future growth in the region.”
Mr Grills said he was pleased safety was prioritised as part of the project.
“The Yalgoo station will be equipped with the latest CCTV cameras to protect staff and monitor detainees, and will be linked to the Shire of Yalgoo’s CCTV system,” he said.
“The linked CCTV systems will also assist police with incidence response times and improve efficiency.”
As a former police officer who worked in the WA outback for many years, Mr Grills said the new premises were paramount to providing the region’s staff with improved training facilities and modernised equipment to ensure they could do their job well.
“It is important that our police have access to adequate resources and facilities to assist them in combating crime and anti-social behaviour in geographically-sparse regions,” he said.
“Improved facilities will help them on the job and also provide a boost to morale.”
Mr Grills said the State Government was committed to ensuring communities such as Yalgoo were safe and staff and police had adequate resources.
“The State Government has invested $116 million since 2013 to rebuild and refurbish WA’s police stations,” he said.
“This vital funding commitment is making a positive difference to the safety of our regional communities and to the wellbeing of our hardworking law enforcement officers and their support staff.”
The Yalgoo station also includes a reception area, monitored interview room, armoury, drug store, locker room, gym and a purpose-built secure detainee processing area.
Several sustainable energy initiatives have been implemented at the new station, including solar lighting and signage.
The previous building was built in 1983, and the old station and land will be transferred to the Shire of Yalgoo.
For media enquiries contact Dave Grills MLC on (08) 9071 500 or email dave.grills@mp.wa.gov.au
