Planning for a new Port Macquarie Police Station has taken its next important step.
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In May the state government allocated $1.1 million in the 2018/19 budget for planning and the purchase of a new site.
A spokesperson for Port Macquarie MP Leslie Williams’ office confirmed a new site had been identified.
“NSW Police have identified land in the Port Macquarie CBD and are in the process of acquiring it,” the spokesperson said.
The spokesperson would not confirm where that land might be.
At the funding announcement, Mrs Williams said there were issues with capacity at the current station.
"Policing has changed and we need to make sure our police have a state-of-the-art facility,” the Port Macquarie-based member said.
"This money is for planning and the purchase of land, if required. These factors will probably dictate the timeline going forward (for the construction phase).
Mrs Williams said a new multi-million dollar police station is a win for the Port Macquarie community and will boost the capability of local police to keep residents and businesses safe.
Policing has changed and we need to make sure our police have a state-of-the-art facility
- Leslie Williams
The news that planning has progressed will be welcome by the local police.
Superintendent Paul Fehon said the future growth of Port Macquarie required a new police station.
He said the original building on Hay Street was designed to house 50 officers. There are now close to 100 officers operating from the site.
Despite renovations taking place over a number of years, police have simply outgrown the facility, he said.
"This building has been renovated many times and we have now outgrown the capacity to renovate further,” Supt Fehon said.
"We also require better facilities to care for those that come into our custody.”
