By KATH GANNAWAY
WARBURTON is getting one of seven new police stations to be built in regional Victoria as part of a $36.8 million package in the 2016/17 Victorian Budget.
Warburton Sergeant Tom Wilkinson has hailed the news, released Monday morning 18 April, as a win/win for the police and the Warburton community.
Greeting the news from Premier Daniel Andrews’ department with an unrestrained “woo hoo”, Sgt Wilkinson said while long overdue, it was great news that would assist police members at Warburton in the way they responded to the community.
“It will certainly address a lot of the issues in response to the safety and wellbeing of the members here, and the way we provide service delivery to our community,” he said.
The new station will replace the portables that have one of the best views in Warburton, but have been recognised for some time as being out-dated and overdue for replacement.
Premier Daniel Andrews was taken on a quick tour of the station in December when he visited Upper Yarra townships as part of a reconnaissance of emergency services in the area.
It was the latest visit to the station which the Mail understands has been on a priority waiting list for a number of years.
“I have certainly pushed this (the need for a new station) at every opportunity with every parliamentarian over the years, and this is just great news,” Sgt Wilkinson said.
“Along with all the other benefits, it will provide a better aesthetic appeal within the township,” he said.
The Warburton rebuild is part of a $596 million public safety investment which will see Victoria Police receive an extra 406 police officers and 52 support personnel as well as two new forensic hubs built in regional Victoria to help police fast-track investigations into ice and other drug trafficking.
“Right across Victoria, in regional towns and the suburbs, we are providing the resources needed to keep Victorians safe,” Premier Andrews said.
