Minister for Police and Minister for Corrective Services, the Honourable Mark Ryan MP joined Member for Cairns Mr Michael Healy MP and Chief Superintendent Brian Huxley today for the official opening of the relocated Cairns Stockland Police Beat.
The refurbishment of the Stockland Police Beat commenced in early May this year.
The Stockland Police Beat services an area that incorporates both the shopping complex itself and the surrounding car park area.
The new police beat has moved from the previous location in the Stockland Shopping Centre to a larger area that has more accessibility and has greater exposure to the community.
The Stockland Police Beat initially opened on June 1, 1998.
Police beat shopfront facilities have come a long way since then, but the aim of providing a policing presence to retailers and shoppers in shopping centres and central business districts remains the same.
Minister Ryan said Cairns police had consistently delivered a high level of service to their community.
"Police beat officers build relationships with the businesses and residents in the area to ensure the safety and security of the local community," Minister Ryan said.
Cairns MP Michael Healy said this was another demonstration of the way police engage with the community.
"The new police beat will continue to provide officers with a policing presence to retailers and shoppers in shopping centres and improve service to the Cairns community," Mr Healy said.
Chief Superintendent Huxley said the refurbished police beat would have officers in the best possible position to respond to and address community issues and expand to neighbouring shops and houses as the need arose.
"Stockland Police Beat will be placing police officers in the best position to address community safety issues in a timely, proactive and preventative manner," Chief Superintendent Huxley said.
"The new facility provides an improved base for beat officers and a better location for community members to meet with an officer."
