Planning is underway to identify a site for a new Port Macquarie Police Station.
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Member for Port Macquarie Leslie Williams on Tuesday announced $1.1 million would be allocated in the 2018/19 state budget for planning and purchasing of the new site, if required.
Mrs Williams said it was a 'huge announcement' for Port Macquarie and the local police.
"There are issues in terms of capacity for the current station and an inability to house the latest technology required by local police," she said.
"Policing has changed and we need to make sure our police have a state-of-the-art facility.
"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).
"We want to work with the local police to ensure they get the police station they need."
Mrs Wiliams said the police do outstanding work as evidenced by the most recent quarterly BOCSAR report, which shows 16 of 17 major crime categories remained stable or fell in the 24 months to December 2017 across the state.
Once built, the new station will provide modern facilities and equipment needed to prevent and disrupt crime, she said.
"That will, ultimately, keep the community safe," she added.
Superintendent Paul Fehon said the future growth of Port Macquarie required a new police station.
"We have outgrown this current building," he said. "Originally this building was designed to house 50 officers, and we now have close to 100 officers operating from this site.
We have outgrown this current building.
- Superintendent Paul Fehon
"This building has been renovated many times and we have now outgrown the capacity to renovate further.
"We also require better facilities to care for those that come into our custody.
"Port Macquarie is a city in regards to regional development and the size of our new station should be commensurate with that growth.
"It will also be nice for the community to have a large police station featuring the latest technology and state-of-the-art facilities.
"The announcement from the Premier Gladys Berejiklian and the local member Leslie Williams is very welcome. Our officers are very excited," he said.
Branch official for the Port Macquarie Police Association Sgt Jason Maxwell described the current police station as cramped and small.
"The new building will create a better environment for our members," he said.
"A state-of-the-art facility will ensure we keep up with modern times and create a better environment for our members."
Minister for Police Troy Grant touried the existing station in 2017 and said he was pleased to provide the funding needed to kick start the development of the new multi-million dollar police facility.