Station opens

By Mara Pattison-Sowden
POLICE will be able to tackle crime more effectively in the Yarra Ranges with the unveiling of the new Lilydale police station.
The $13.5 million state-of-the-art facility will improve police services for the local community and ensure officers have the resources they need to help keep Victorians safe.
It is located on the corner of Albert Hill Road so it is highly visible to the public.
Its position gives the building views across the town centre from its top floor.
Senior Sergeant Sean Young said he was very pleased with the new station and said he sees it as a more open and welcoming place to mix with the community. “It’s an excellent facility when you consider the old station, which was very limited,” he said.
“We can fit 40 police in the new complex, with room to move – a bonus in any standards.”
The original police station was located at 61 Castella Street and was made up primarily of two buildings constructed in the 1960s.
Sen Sgt Young said police will have more flexibility to solve crime in the area and will be better organised because the different units will be able to work together more closely.
Uniform officers, the Traffic Management Unit, the Criminal Investigation Unit, a youth resource officer and a community officer will be based in the Lilydale station. Former Evelyn MP Heather McTaggart was proud to see the completion of the station, a project she began lobbying for when she was in office in 2002.
The building features specially designed interview rooms, a welcoming public entrance and foyer, conference room facilities and high level security.
The building is also designed to reduce the reliance on traditional energy sources by maximising the use of natural light, water, heating and ventilation.
There is rain water harvesting systems, water efficient fittings and fixtures and solar panels.
Police Minister Bob Cameron officially opened the station last Tuesday, 18 May.