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During his time as the State Member for Southport, Peter Lawlor has continued his strong support for Police and Emergency Services, lobbying and delivering upgraded facilities and equipment. Gold Coast District Police Numbers in the Term of the Bligh Government have increased by 10% to 778
Peter Lawlor’s commitment to maintaining a high standard in emergency services and police protection has seen a number of positives initiatives for the Southport electorate.
Southport Fire Station:
The Southport Fire Station has recently seen the inclusion of three new fire-fighters to their ranks, from the 172 graduating from the academy in 2008.
These recruits are already experienced after taking part in helping northern Queensland recover from a range of natural disasters.
The new recruits will also be able to make use of the recently presented new state-of-the-art fire appliances for the Southport station.
The $530,000 type three appliance for Queensland Fire and Rescue Service’s Southport is capable of pumping 3,500 litres of water per minute, and is equipped with $45,000 worth of road crash equipment.
The vehicle will provide a boost to the station’s current fleet of four.
Peter Lawlor said the vehicles mean fire fighters will have a greater capacity to serve the community in times of emergency.
As well as the new recruits and equipment, The Southport fire station, on the corner of Prince street and Nerang-Southport Road originally built in 1977, will be upgraded to provide the best service possible to the community.
The proposed refurbishment of the building will include three levels of the structure – excluding the recently upgraded Firecom facility.
The refurbishment will greatly improve operational efficiencies and amenities of the staff and operational unit functioning within the building.
Peter Lawlor also presented medals to firefighters, to acknowledge their service to the community.
The presentations recognise the long service and the efforts of staff who dedicate themselves to protecting life and property in their community.
The recipients:
National Medal Recipients – 15 years Service
· Marcus Barrett – Station Officer
· Mark John Faulkner – Senior Firefighter
1st Clasp Recipients – 25 years Service
· Phillip Tunbridge – Station Officer
2nd Clasp Recipients – 35 years Service
· John William Cheesewright – Retired Station Officer
· Graham Flack – Retired Senior Firefighter
Six Diligent and Ethical Service Medals are also being presented. This medal is awarded to a member or former member who has accrued thirty years qualifying service continuously as an employee or volunteer of the QFRS and is, in the opinion of the Commissioner, a fit and proper person to receive the medal.
Six Diligent and Ethical Service Medals are also being presented. This medal is awarded to a member or former member who has accrued thirty years qualifying service continuously as an employee or volunteer of the QFRS and is, in the opinion of the Commissioner, a fit and proper person to receive the medal. The recipients are:
· Peter Ryan – Superintendent North East Command
· Douglas Connolly – Station Officer
· Allan Williams – Retired Station Officer
· John William Cheesewright – Retired Station Officer
· Barry Francis Bennett – Retired Station Officer
· Bruce Hockey – Retired Station Officer
One officer has also received his Station Officer Pips:
· Karl Nihot – Station Officer
Southport Ambulance Station:
Nine additional ambulance officers have been allocated to Southport as part of the Queensland Ambulance Service’s recruitment drive of 250 additional officers.
The QAS determines staff enhancements by assessing demand and the area’s operational requirements.
The Queensland Government has provided $18.3 million funding for the recruitment of 250 additional ambulance officers in 2007-08, on top of the 255 officers recruited in 2008-09.
Two international paramedics have also joined the ranks of Southport Emergency Services.
Peter Lawlor personally welcomed Nick Oxley and Jayson Hacker, both of the United Kingdom, who were part of a group of 18 qualified interstate or international paramedics inducted into the Queensland Ambulance Service.
Currently The Queensland Ambulance Service has a fleet of 38 emergency stretcher ambulance vehicles on the Gold Coast.
10 new vehicles was allocated for QAS on the Gold Coast in 2007-08 (including three Patient Transport vehicles), all of which have been delivered by September 2008.
This allocation was part of the QAS’ extensive fleet replacement program. The State Government has funded a further 145 new vehicles in 2008-09, with the regional allocation yet to be finalised.
The Queensland Ambulance Service is currently receiving record funding.
The budget for QAS has increased by $53.1 million to $455.7 million in 2008-09.
In 2008-09, QAS will buy 145 new ambulances and recruit 250 additional ambulance officers, 63 of which will be allocated to South-Eastern region (which includes the Gold Coast).
This builds on the 255 extra officers and 140 new vehicles funded across Queensland in 2007-08.
Southport Police Station:
Due to Peter Lawlor’s continuing support for the police officers of Southport, a brand new station was secured in favour of refurbishment of the old facility.
Peter Lawlor said a refurbishment was out of the question as police needed more room, better facilities and modern infrastructure to deal with the fast growing community on the Gold Coast.
The new station ensures police will be better supported in their fight against crime with better operational resources, improved infrastructure and working conditions.
The Southport Station is purpose built and is equipped for the future with a holding cell, two interview rooms - with electronic recording facilities, a major incident room, secure front counter, breath analysis room, a facility to store equipment and a dedicated intelligence room.
The residents of Arundel have also secured Queensland’s 51st Police Beat at Arundel.
The two person beat in Napper Road, provides a permanent police presence for the growing Arundel area.
As the local member in this area, Peter was pleased to be part of the delivery of an important new service for this community.
Situated on a main road, this police beat provides residents and businesses in Arundel with improved access to their local police – for reporting incidents, discussing issues of concern or for canvassing new ways to prevent crime.
Having officers living and working in amongst the community allows local police to establish a relationship of trust with the people they serve.
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