New police station and court-house for Newman

18/9/01
Funding for a new police station and court-house for Newman will be welcome news for the community, Minister for the Pilbara Tom Stephens said.
Speaking at a Budget presentation in Karratha, Mr Stephens said that the Labor Government, under the leadership of Dr Geoff Gallop, was committed 100 per cent to the regions, a refreshing change from the previous eight years of neglect by the Court Government.
"The provision of $3.5 million towards a new police station for Newman represents the Government's commitment to ensure police officers are properly resourced to do their job," Mr Stephens said.
"Making Western Australians safe and secure in their homes, at work and in their community, what ever their geographic location, is a key priority for the new Government.
"Construction of the new police station will provide accommodation for general duties and traffic personnel, replacing the existing overcrowded facilities.
"The station will incorporate the facilities necessary from which to provide modern, effective policing services to the community.
"The new building will provide more efficient office accommodation, detention and holding facilities, interview rooms and other operational areas that will provide a safer and more secure environment for the public, staff and detainees."
Mr Stephens said that it if the Government was to maintain and encourage first-class professionals to the regions, it was imperative that safe and efficient working environments were provided and this Government was working to achieving just that.
Media contact: Julie Cole 9213 6500