NSW Premier Barry O’Farrell has officially opened the newly built, $14 million Parkes Police Station, the new headquarters of the Lachlan Local Area Command – a symbol of the NSW Liberals & Nationals Government’s commitment to regional areas.

Minister for Police and Emergency Services Michael Gallacher, Police Commissioner Andrew Scipione and Member for Dubbo Troy Grant joined Mr O’Farrell at the opening.

“I’m proud to be in Parkes to officially open this fully-operational, 24-hour a day police station that delivers on the election commitment we made to improve community safety and modernise resources available to our frontline Police,” Mr O’Farrell said.

“This is proof we are getting on with the job of delivering improvements for the people of Parkes, as well as provide frontline Police with first class facilities,” he said.

“I congratulate local MP Troy Grant for his strong representations to ensure this new Police Station was built. He is a fierce advocate for his region – and this new Police Station is the proof he delivers.

“Since 2011, the NSW Liberals & Nationals Government has delivered an extra 420 police,” Mr O’Farrell said.

Mr Gallacher said Parkes Police Station currently houses 52 officers and eight administration staff, and the Command has received 12 probationary constables since May 2011.

“Having access to a brand new, modern facility will allow officers to continue to drive down crime across the Lachlan Local Area Command,” Mr Gallacher said.

“The most recent data shows across the NSW Central West, all 17 of major offences reported are either trending down or stable,” he said.

“In the two years to September 2013, reported assaults were down nine per cent, while malicious property damage was down seven per cent.”

Commissioner Scipione said the station went operationally live in August 2013.

“The Command successfully policed the recent Parkes Elvis Festival in January, and has been working with Parkes Shire Council and the local Chamber of Commerce on the installation of CCTV in the Parkes CBD.

“We know that we are measured by our efforts, especially the success of our efforts in protecting the community.”

Mr Grant said officers attached to the Command maintain a visible presence in the area and are well respected by members of the community.

“These officers do a great job patrolling urban areas as well as rural, farming and national parks land across the almost 32,000 square kilometres that make up the Lachlan LAC.

“I thank the Premier, the Minster and the Commissioner for all coming to Parkes to open this brand new Police Station,” Mr Grant said.

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