Police boost

By Dion Teasdale
YARRA Junction was one of the big winners in last week’s State Government Budget with the town set to get a new $1 million police station.
The new station will replace the current police facility which was described in the Mail last year by a Police Union representative as substandard and one of the worst in the state.
Yarra Junction police Sergeant Kevin Largue said he was delighted by news of the budget allocation and that the new station was much needed.
“Our current station has outgrown its ability to cope with the policing requirements of the area and the policing needs of members,” he said.
“The station is just too small and the working conditions are not up to standard. A new facility means the members here will be better equipped to do their job.”
Sgt Largue said the funding announcement came as a surprise and that the officers at the station appreciated the ongoing representations by Gembrook MP Tammy Lobato.
“Tammy’s efforts have secured this win for us and the Yarra Junction community.
“The troops here are extremely happy about getting a new home and all our thanks go to Tammy,” he said.
Ms Lobato said she was thrilled that the State Budget included funding for a new police station in Yarra Junction.
Earlier this year she raised the issue in Parliament, describing the existing facilities as cramped and substandard.
At that time, she said that the station was extremely busy and that the police officers lacked the necessary space to conduct interviews safely.
She also called for the Minister for Police and Emergency Services, Tim Holding, to provide staff with a new facility.
“I am elated that the new police station will be upgraded and meet the standard that both the police and the community require,” Ms Lobato said.
“The officers at this station are extremely dedicated to their profession and deal with a wide and challenging variety of call-outs in the area.
“They also participate in a range of community developments projects and they work closely with all residents in the area to improve safety and security across the Upper Yarra.
Ms Lobato congratulated the officers at Yarra Junction for their commitment to the community.
“It was because of this commitment that they approached me for assistance with their cause.
“I am delighted that in working together we have been able to achieve this fantastic result,” she said.
“It is great that Yarra Junction is now going to join other world-class facilities and build on the government’s record of proud achievements.”
Yarra Junction Business Development Group president Andrew McMath, who has also spoken out on the need for a new police station in the town, said the announcement was exciting news for Yarra Junction.
“This is fantastic and very timely, and everyone involved deserves a big pat on the back for making this happen,” he said.
“Improved police facilities should lead to an improved standard of policing in the area and an increased sense of security and pride on our town.
“This funding will bring a great deal of satisfaction and comfort to those who have been campaigning for this need,” Mr McMath said.