Upgrade For Port, Nowra Stations

Illawarra Mercury

Thursday May 26, 2005

By ANDREW DRUMMOND

TWO of the region's police stations are to be upgraded with funding included in the State Budget.

Member for Wollongong Noreen Hay said she hoped renovations on the ageing facilities at Port Kembla Police Station could prevent safety risks to officers.

"Work on the cells at Port Kembla is due to start shortly and is scheduled for completion by the end of the year," she said.

"(Other) general improvements will improve general amenity of the station - enhanced storage and security, provision of disabled access, upgraded interview rooms and office accommodation and improved staff facilities."

Renovations will continue at Nowra Police Station, with funding for improvements to cells and security.

"This funding will allow stage three of a planned upgrade to go ahead," a Shoalhaven Local Area Command spokesperson said.

"Stages one and two have been completed over the last three or four years and we have certainly been hoping this (continued) funding would come through.

"The primary focus of stage three is the cell area and general security.

"There will be changes made to the layout to make the station more suitable.

"It has to be remembered that in 1979 this station was designed to cater for 25 officers. It now caters for about 80 police."

© 2005 Illawarra Mercury

Back to News Index | Back to Home