Queensland's record $3 billion-plus police budget is supporting more police and extra resources and equipment for Gold Coast Police.
The biggest investment in policing in more than three decades will see the delivery of 35 extra police positions to the South Eastern Region, which includes the Gold Coast, in the coming financial year.
This investment includes an increase of three positions to the Gold Coast Water Police.
This will take the total number of additional police delivered to the South Eastern Region under the Palaszczuk Government to more than 180 with even more on the way.
Minister for Police Mark Ryan, who was on the Gold Coast today, said "this record and historic investment is only possible because of our commitment to deliver 2,025 extra police personnel by 2025, as well as the further rollout of new body worn cameras, QLiTE tablet devices and integrated load bearing ballistic vests.
"This is to ensure every front-line officer, including the more than 1000 in the Gold Coast District, has access to this important policing equipment,'' Minister Ryan said.
"The Palaszczuk Government is committed to ensuring the lifestyle we enjoy in Queensland through good jobs and better services with a 2022-23 budget that has record investment in health as its centrepiece.
"Gold Coasters enjoy a lifestyle the envy of people around the world and it is crucial that we enable a healthy and safe environment to take full advantage of what this region has to offer.
"The 2022-23 Queensland Budget reflects that commitment with a record health budget of $23.6 billion and increased expenditure in police, corrective services and fire and emergency services.''
"The 35 more police positions for the region, including three more officers for the Gold Coast Water Police is further proof that the Palaszczuk Government is determined to support community safety for the Coast.''
The water police are an essential ingredient to Gold Coast living with the 12 metre twin-jet propelled Queensland Police Vessel Sally Urquhart, commissioned in 2021, and Cruiser jet skis patrolling the coast and canals.
Member for Gaven Meaghan Scanlon MP welcomed the boost to policing services on the Gold Coast.
"We have a great lifestyle here on the Gold Coast, so I understand why more Queenslanders want to call this region home," Ms Scanlon said.
"As the Gold Coast grows, delivering better policing services is something I have been advocating for."
South Eastern Region Assistant Commissioner Brian Swan said population on the Gold Coast and Logan was continuing to rise and so too was demand for policing services.
"Additional officers across the South Eastern Region, both on our roads and waterways, will help us address current and future demand while focusing on the prevention and disruption of crime.
"Gold Coast Water Police is one of the busiest water police units in the state and by expanding the unit we will be able to better serve the Gold Coast community across our extensive waterways."
