Tea Gardens Police Station will undergo a $1million redevelopment as part of a state budget funding injection.
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About 100 locals gathered outside the Marine Drive Station to greet Premier Gladys Berejiklian on Friday morning.
“Well-equipped, modern police stations are fundamental to effective policing, and this upgrade will enhance the capability of local police to keep the Tea Gardens community safe,” Ms Berejiklian told locals who had been lobbying for improved police resources in the town.
The announcement follows rumours the state government would close the weatherboard station following the merger of Port Stephens and parts of the existing Central Hunter commands last year.
Resident Rick Wraight said it was essential that the town had adequate police resources to cater for the expected population growth over the next decade.
“The town’s population is about 3500, but that grows to 10,000 during the holidays,”
“On top of that we are expecting another 2000 people to be living in Tea Gardens in 10 years time,”
Funding for the station’s upgrade is part of a $220 million funding boost for police in the upcoming state budget.
Port Stephens MP Kate Washington welcomed the announcement but calling on the Government to commit to more police for the local area.
She said the community had sent a clear message that no police station closures would be tolerated.
“Above and beyond refurbishing police facilities, the local community is keen to see more police assigned to the Local Area Command so that incidents can be attended to quickly, and so our current officers have the support they need to do their jobs,” Ms Washington said.
She said Port Stephens had a number of satellite police stations, including Nelson Bay, Karuah, Lemon Tree Passage and Tea Gardens.
Local residents and the NSW Police Association remain concerned about the Government’s intentions for satellite stations and staffing, especially in light of the recent closure of Clarence Town's police station.
“Karuah, Tea Gardens and Hawks Nest consist of a growing number of retirees and older Australians, and the population swells dramatically during holiday periods, however policing resources haven't kept pace,” Ms Washington said.
Minister for Police Troy Grant said the government was committed to providing police throughout the state with the support and resources they need.
“Each and every day, local police put their lives on the line protecting our communities, responding to violent incidents, and supporting victims of crime,” Mr Grant said.
Ms Berejiklian said the government had invested almost $1.3 billion on police infrastructure since coming to office in 2011.