Police Beat for bargain price of $1

A POLICE Beat can be delivered at Harbour Town for a peppercorn rent, State Parliament has been told.

Bonney MP Sam O’Connor says a deal could be brokered to allow the Police Beat at Biggera Waters to be relocated to the popular shopping centre for a $1 fee.

“One dollar. I am hopeful the Police Minister can find that in his budget for the Gold Coast – just $1,” Mr O’Connor told Parliament.

“On top of providing the shopfront, the centre will even help set it up. Crime is a big problem in my community. Our police do a fantastic job, but there are not enough of them and that makes it difficult for locals to talk to them.

“Every day people tell me they have called up the local coppers to report an issue, only for it to be bumped down the queue by more serious concerns.”

Mr O’Connor tabled a letter from Harbour Town centre manager Gary Webb about their recent discussions on the Police Beat.

“We have always been open to such a concept and in fact very much want this to become a reality,” Mr Webb wrote.

“This centre has to regularly call on the services of the police for shop lifting, vehiclerelated crimes and anti-social behaviour.

“We have space available for such an operation and this would sit adjacent to our Justices of The Peace free service.”

Mr Webb said the owners had offered to help with the relocation and the ongoing occupancy costs would be at a “peppercorn rent providing a substantial incentive for the police service”.

Mr O’Connor urged the Queensland Police Service to “jump at this opportunity” because it was “too good to refuse”.

He believes the timing for the Police Beat was perfect given Harbour Town has upgraded its late-night restaurant precinct.

Assistant Commissioner Brian Wilkins has written to Mr O’Connor confirming the option was being looked at.