Pollies’ cop shop fight
trict status downgraded and resources were deployed across the region.
“RAP (Rapid Action Patrols unit) is 10 minutes down the road (at Varsity Lakes). If you walk in there, you can have a choice of up to eight computers,” another police source said.
“So RAP is a ghost town, the Ferny Avenue office (in Surfers Paradise) is a ghost town with staff sent down to Orchid Avenue.”
A spokesperson for Police Minister Mark Ryan said any suggestion that the land was being bought due to electorate boundaries was ridiculous.
“The LNP Opposition might operate in that manner but the Palaszczuk Government believes the QPS is best placed to determine the future needs of districts and where resources should be allocated,” the spokesperson said.
Albert MP Mark Boothman wants the Government to consider a new police station north of Coomera.
“There is massive growth in the northern area at Pimpama and Ormeau. They need to fast track a new station there,” he said.
The Gaven base is expected to help with storage and locate a RAP-style unit rather than offer a police counter for the public.
Gaven MP Sid Cramp, who has campaigned for a police beat at Pacific Pines since 2015, hoped the new police base became a reality sooner than later.
“It’s good the police service is looking at the needs of the northern Gold Coast. But it’s disappointing Labor has taken so long. It’s putting more strain on local police officers,” he said.