NSW BUDGET: NEW DIGS FOR POLICE DOGS

The NSW Police Force Dog Unit will have a new home with funding allocated in the 2016-17 Budget to purchase a new site in Sydney.

The Police Force Dog Unit breed, purchase, own, train and have overall responsibility for the deployment of specialist dogs to support police operations across the state.

The NSW Government has allocated $15 million for the purchase and development of a new facility that will allow for future growth of the unit.

Deputy Premier and Minister for Police Troy Grant said the existing home is located in a residential suburb and no longer meets the needs of the unit.

“The existing Command Centre has a number of issues including inadequate kennelling, training, breeding and storage facilities and there is no ability to expand the site or the unit’s capabilities,” Mr Grant said.

“This funding will ensure the dog unit has the most modern facilities to train and deploy dogs to better respond to crime in the community.”

The NSW Police Force is actively scoping a suitable site in Sydney.

The Budget also allocates $17 million for the development of the new Queanbeyan Police Station and $25 million for Mount Druitt Police Station over the next four years.

“The current Queanbeyan station is outdated and no longer meets the needs of the officers stationed there or the local community,” Mr Grant said. “The development of both stations was an election commitment and I’m pleased to see the funding rolling in to get these projects underway.”

Treasurer Gladys Berejiklian said: “The NSW Liberals & Nationals Government will continue to support frontline officers by providing the facilities and support they need to do their jobs.”