This time next year, Benalla will boast Victoria’s newest state-of-the-art Police Station.
Albury-based Joss Construction has been awarded the tender to build the new Benalla Police Station, and construction will start on November 20.
State Member for Northern Victoria Jaclyn Symes visited the facility today, Friday, November 3 and toured the site.
“I am pleased to announce the awarding of the contract for the construction of the new Benalla Police Station and announce the build will be under way in coming weeks,” Ms Symes said.
“The new station will provide better support for victims of crime, with more space to separate witnesses and victims from offenders, as well as more suitable interview rooms.”
Chief Commissioner Shane Patton said the new facility is going to be fantastic.
“It’s going to be accessible, safe, modern and secure,“ Chief Commissioner Patton said.
“It will provide privacy and security for everyone, including those who don’t want to be here, the offenders, they’ll be in a safe and secure environment.”
The government has invested $28.8 million in four years as part of the Victorian Budget 2021-22 to build a fit-for-purpose facility linked to the adjoining Benalla Magistrates’ Court.
The 24-hour Benalla Police Station supports a variety of specialist units, including the Criminal Investigation Unit, Water Police, Family Violence Unit, Highway Patrol, Sexual Offences and Child Abuse Investigation Team, Crime Prevention/Neighbourhood Watch Officer, and a Youth Resources Officer.
There will also be a dedicated Incident Police Operation Centre built into the station, which will be pivotal in the region’s emergency management response.
Benalla Mayor Bernie Hearn said the existing police station is no longer fit for purpose.
“I am so excited,” Cr Hearn said.
“When I was a child, my father was a policeman here in Benalla. It was a dark and dingy place back then, and I don’t think much has changed.
“The designs I have seen are airy, friendly, private in positions where needed, and a great asset for Benalla.”
The modern design will improve care and support for victims of crime with greater separation of witnesses and victims from offenders to better meet the needs of everyone involved in reporting crime safely.
It will also include more private spaces, suitable secure rooms for interviewing people, a safe and secure space for people in custody to have visitors, and improved management of seized property and evidence at the station - reducing the risk of evidence being damaged.
Victorian Minister for Police Anthony Carbines said the new facility will ensure police have the infrastructure and resources to carry out their role and keep the local community safe.
“We continue to support Victoria Police with our record investment of $4.5 billion, which goes towards recruiting thousands of new police and PSOs, the delivery of world-class intelligence systems, new technology and upgraded police stations,” Mr Carbine said.
“This station has been designed not only with the community’s current policing needs in mind but is also future-proofed so we can base as many as 140 police officers out of Benalla.
“Once finished, the new station will also be equipped with an inbuilt Incident Police Operation Centre – ensuring Benalla is at the heart of our emergency management response.”
The new station will be constructed on a site adjacent to the existing police station.
Benalla Police Memorial Garden to be moved and improved as part of redevelopment.
The redeveloped Benalla Police Station will feature a new space for its memorial garden.
Chief Comm Patterson said one of the most important elements of the project to build a new police station would be moving its memorial garden.
“It will be built in a specific area with a pond and the police memorials,” he said.
“So the memorials at the front of the existing Police Station will be relocated.
“And the new area will be a really personal and private space for members to go, reflect and recognise their colleagues who paid the ultimate price.”
Benalla Mayor Bernie Hearn said the improved memorial garden was an essential element of the new design.
“It’s hugely sad when people don’t come home from work,” Cr Hearn said.
“It is fantastic that they are moving it and making it bigger and better.
“It’s a place where police members can sit and reflect, and I think it’s a place where all Benalla people can go and remember the police officers that are honoured there.”