Suburban station a win

Resident Peter Gleeson said he had been campaigning for a police station since the former office was closed in 2009.

‘I was concerned that decision had resulted in a reduced police presence in the area,’ he said.

‘I have been campaigning for about 20 years for a proper 24/7 police station.

‘This announcement is excellent news the area. I will have a good effect on the community.’

Mr Gleeson said the chosen location, next to Ballajura Community College, was ideal.

‘It will allow police officers to develop good relationships with young people,’ he said.

The State Government announced the location of the police station on Cassowary Drive earlier this month, also committing to an opening date in 2016.

West Swan MLA Rita Saffioti, who has campaigned for a police station in Ballajura since 2009, said she would continue to hold the State Government accountable for its promise until the station doors open.

‘We will be making sure the police station opens in 2016 and that it is manned 24 hours a day, seven days a week,’ she said.

‘The campaign to get a station in Ballajura shows the true power of people.’

Lorraine O’Brien echoed Mr Gleeson’s sentiments about the location of the station. ‘It is a win for the community and a great spot,’ she said.

‘I was very disappointed when the station first closed and had a lot of friends who have been affected by crime in the area.

‘This will only benefit the community.’

Police Minister Liza Harvey said the State Government was on track to deliver the new station by that date.

‘I think it is terrific for the people of Ballajura and surrounding areas to have this site, which I think is ideal to house a station of this size,’ she said.

‘We are ensuring that we build some capacity into this station to accommodate future growth.’

Police Commissioner Karl O’Callaghan said the operations of the new station would be determined by evidence- based policing.