Labor announces $6m Edmonton cop shop upgrade

An upgraded police station in Cairns’ southern suburbs would service the critical growth corridor’s booming population and accommodate an increase in police officers on the beat, Labor’s candidate for Mulgrave Richie Bates says.

ALP candidate for Mulgrave Richie Bates is backing improved facilities at the Edmonton Police Station. Picture: Brendan Radke

An upgraded police station in Cairns’ southern suburbs would service the critical growth corridor’s booming population and accommodate an increase in police officers on the beat, Labor’s candidate for Mulgrave Richie Bates says.

But the LNP has rubbished the announcement, arguing that Labor’s poor police retention record has hurt communities.

If elected, Mr Bates said $6m will be spent improving authorities’ existing Cattle St facility, building on the state government’s record investment in police personnel across Queensland.

“Edmonton is a really important area in terms of the growth of the southern suburbs,” he said.

“If you look at Mount Peter which is not far away, this is going to be the growth area with many new homes and families coming to live here.

“It makes sense that we would improve facilities here.”

LNP candidate for Mulgrave Terry James is critical of Labor’s record of failing to keep cops on the books. Picture: Brendan Radke

Coalition candidate for Mulgrave, Terry James said too many police officers were quitting the force, citing burnout, a lack of mental health support and weak laws under Labor.

“If we build it, the main thing is that we need the police to occupy it, which is our plan,” he said.

“We want to entice more police officers who have previously left the force to come back. To do that we need to address the reasons why some officers leave.”

The LNP had offered Mulgrave voters little at this election, Mr Bates said.

“We’re hearing crickets, whether it’s health, education or housing,” he said.

“They’re not offering anything. It’s almost as if they’ve turned their back on Mulgrave.”

Labor has promised to deliver a $4m multicultural centre in White Rock, $23m for a school hall in Woree.

Meanwhile, the Coalition has pledged $2.6m to build critical infrastructure in Yarrabah, $1.5m for Jeff Pezzutti Park in Woree

Originally published as Labor announces $6m Edmonton cop shop upgrade