The Benalla community is one step closer to receiving a new state-of-the-art police station after the Allan Labor Government today announced the successful tender for the station’s construction.
Member for Northern Victoria Jaclyn Symes today visited the Benalla Police Station site where construction will start on 20 November by Joss Constructions.
The Labor Government have invested $28.8 million over four years as part of the Victorian Budget 2021-22 to build the new station, which will provide a fit-for-purpose facility and link to the adjoining Benalla Magistrates’ Court.
The 24-hour Benalla Police Station supports a variety of specialist units including the Criminal Investigation Unit, Water Police, Family Violence Unit, Highway Patrol, Sexual Offences and Child Abuse Investigation Team, Crime Prevention/Neighbourhood Watch Officer, and a Youth Resources Officer.
The modern design will improve care and support for victims of crime with greater separation of witnesses and victims from offenders to better meet the needs for everyone involved in reporting crime safely.
It will also include more private spaces, suitable secure rooms for interviewing people, a safe and secure space for people in custody to have visitors, and improved management of seized property and evidence at the station - reducing the risk of evidence being damaged.
The new station will be constructed on the site adjacent to the existing police station. Services provided by Benalla Police will not be impacted throughout the build. Construction is due to begin later this month with the station expected to be operational by the end of 2024.
This build is a part of the Labor Government’s $44 million investment over four years for new and upgraded police infrastructure across the state.
Quotes attributable to Member for Northern Victoria Jaclyn Symes
“I am pleased to announce the awarding of the contract for the construction of the new Benalla Police Station and announce the build will be underway in coming weeks.”
“The new station will provide better support for victims of crime, with more space to separate witnesses and victims from offenders, as well as more suitable interview rooms.”
Quotes attributable to Minister for Police Anthony Carbines
“The new state-of-the-art facility will ensure police have the infrastructure and resources they need to carry out their role and keep the local community safe.”
“We continue to support Victoria Police with our record investment of $4.5 billion, which goes towards recruiting thousands of new police and PSO’s, the delivery of world-class intelligence systems, new technology and upgraded police stations.”
