Gold Coast’s cheapest police beat: Bonney MP Sam O’Connor negotiates $1 rental
A popular Gold Coast shopping centre is offering to host a Police Beat for just $1 rent — and this local politician is hoping there’s enough money in the state government budget to cover it.
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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.
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“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.
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“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.”
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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, vehicle-related crimes and anti-social behaviour.
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“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”.
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Mr O’Connor urged the Queensland Police Service (QPS) 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.
“The delivery of policing services on the Gold Coast is subject to continuous review at both regional and district level,” Assistant Commissioner Wilkins wrote.
“I appreciate the concerns you have raised in relation to criminal behaviour occurring in the Harbour Town Shopping Centre at Biggera Waters.”
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