Gold Coast commuters will travel with confidence with a dedicated police outpost opening up at Helensvale station.
Member for Gaven Meaghan Scanlon said the Queensland Police Service (QPS) hub would boost safety at the key transport interchange.
"We are amidst a population boom in Queensland, but especially on the Gold Coast where up to two thirds of the rapid growth is predicted to be," Ms Scanlon said.
"With that increase comes a higher number of people using public transport to access shops, travel to work and explore everything the Gold Coast has to offer.
"Helensvale station is an important connector for the region – where the light rail, train line and essential services intersect.
"That's why it was considered the perfect location for this new Police hub, to further enhance the safety and security of customers, staff and the community."
Ms Scanlon said the hub also supports the important work of the QPS Railway Squad.
"Four officers can be stationed at the new hub at a time, which has direct access to Queensland Rail's CCTV network of more than 12,000 cameras," she said.
"Queensland Rail has a strong relationship with QPS so its great to see that relationship bolstered through this initiative, which was an idea proposed by the Station Customer Service team."
Inspector Simon Chase of the QPS Northern Patrol Group said the facility is a boost to local policing in the Helensvale area and will support community safety.
"The expanding population and infrastructure in this northern area of the Gold Coast has seen an increase for service delivery and the provision of an appropriate community safety response," he said.
"This new facility will be a positive development for the future of the area and will help us to keep locals safe.
"The community can expect to see Queensland Police at the location into the future to disrupt criminal activities and take appropriate action against persons who choose to partake in any anti-social or illegal activities in and around the area."
Queensland Rail Senior Manager Security and Emergency Preparedness Drew Brock said Queensland Rail had invested $200,000 to create the new Police hub, which was a vacated standalone building outside the ticket barrier before it was refurbished.
"This standalone building had been slated for conversion into a Queensland Rail training room before the Group Station Master recommended it be converted into a QPS facility," Mr Brock said.
"The safety and security of customers is Queensland Rail's top priority, and this investment will further assist Police to keep those on the rail network and the broader community safe."
Ms Scanlon said the facility was just one of many transport improvements to be made on the northern Gold Coast.
"The Palaszczuk Government is committed to making public transport more accessible for all, but especially those living in the northern suburbs," she said.
"That's why we're building a new, accessible station at Hope Island and Pimpama as part of the Cross River Rail project.
"A new station at Merrimac will also be delivered, with consultation on its design underway now.
"We are also delivering on our commitment to provide more transport options, through the trial of pre-booked, flexible on demand transport services to areas across Nerang, Highland Park and Pacific Pines.
"That on demand service helps to fill the gap between regular bus services and provides a more personalised option, which can link customers to hubs just like Helensvale station.
"Through initiatives like this, we are delivering between public transport connections right across the coast."
