Community help lock in new station design

from Cooroy Rag 7 September 2022 edition

Black Mt residents

TOP: Inspector John Lewis, Cooroy Police OIC Sergeant Mal Scott, Superintendent Craig Hawkins, Acting Assistant Commissioner Matthew Vanderbyl and Director of Property and Facilities Linda Jacobsen at the second community consultation and above, the revised Cooroy police station design.

THE Cooroy community spoke and the police listened.

Following feedback from the community on the initial design of the new Cooroy police facility, second iterations of the $4 million replacement station have been revealed.

Queensland Police Property and Facilities Director Linda Jacobsen said they took all the feedback provided by the community and enhanced the design concepts to better reflect what the community wants. “Feedback around the appearance of the building included the roof form and colour, its presence on the site, and how it fits with the other buildings around it.

“We revised the design to include bullnose verandahs, a cream-coloured exterior, and improved disability access.

“Things still to consider are the security materials, horticulture and fencing but it will be a split-level building with a car park underneath that works with the land; there will be no fill.”

As well as the construction of the new facility, the build also includes improving the existing buildings on the site such as the old jailhouse.

“The old cells are the first thing you’ll see so they are going to be done up and painted.”

However, there are some members of the community who want the jailhouse moved.

Cooroy Memorial Hall committee member Ray Kelly said they would like to see the jailhouse relocated to land beside the Cooroy Memorial Hall.

“The CMH committee is championing a project to see the jailhouse moved to council land next to the hall to become part of a memory lane, similar to what the RSL club have done on the other side, and make it into an information booth.

“We’d still need the police to say okay and then get Noosa Council to agree,” Mr Kelly said.

But Ms Jacobsen said the jailhouse still fits in the precinct and will currently stay where it is.

“There were offers for the jailhouse to be relocated but there is room to leave the old jailhouse on the site so we will.

“It will be moving up the hill closer to the front of the site so it is easier for people to access as part of the heritage walk.”

However, it is still unknown what will be done with the 55-year-old police residence that will need to be moved or demolished to make way for the new station.

“We are open to suggestions and a tender process for the relocation of the residence if need be is an option,” Ms Jacobsen said.

Acting Assistant Commissioner Matthew Vanderbyl said he is pleased with the outcomes of the community consultations.

“We have never done this process before and we’re pleased with the community interest and support in this project.

“We believe these second iterations are a better representation of what the community wants.

“Softening the look better reflects Maple Street, the town plan and the current streetscape, yet it is a fit-for-purpose station,” Mr Vanderbyl said.

While the community was invited to provide feedback on the design of the new station, the facility has to be a purpose-built police station.

“We have to build to accommodate the future.”

There are no current plans to upgrade the number of officers at the station but the new station will be able to accommodate 10 officers and include an office for the officer in charge, a general duties day room, an equipment store, a holding cell and an interview room.

Cooroy Police Sergeant Mal Scott said he thinks the new designs are great.

“Thanks for listening to the community.”

Construction of the new station is scheduled to start in early 2023 with completion due in 2024.

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