The local community will be an even safer place with significant investments in more police, state of the art technology and upgraded infrastructure for first responders across the Tweed area.

The NSW Government solidified its pledge to community safety by committing to deliver nine new police officers to the region – five for the Marine Area Command, based in Tweed, and four at the Tweed/Byron Police District.

These are extra police officers part of the NSW Liberals & Nationals $583 million investment in 1500 extra police across the State over four years.

Minister for Police and Emergency Services David Elliott and Member for Tweed Geoff Provest announced the allocation during a visit with officers to the State’s most northern police command at Tweed Heads Police Station.

“NSW is experiencing some of its lowest crime rates in 20 years but this is not the time to be complacent. New crime threats continue to emerge, and it is vital we adequately resource our police to prevent, disrupt and respond to crime,” Mr Elliott said.

“Over the next four years, every police area command and police district in NSW will receive a dedicated aged care prevention officer and child protection register coordinator.”

Mr Provest welcomed the investment in police to ensure community safety remains the Government’s top priority.

“I’m thrilled our community will be a safer place thanks to this NSW Government investment boosting our local police numbers. I am proud to welcome these men and women and wish them every success in their policing careers in Tweed,” he said.

In addition, Mr Elliott and Mr Provest joined Marine Rescue NSW Commissioner Stacey Tannos to officially hand over a new $200,000 Mobile Incident Command Vehicle to Marine Rescue NSW.

Mr Elliott said the NSW Liberals & Nationals were proud to support Marine Rescue NSW volunteers with additional funding for upgraded resources to assist in their vital work to save lives on the water.

“Over the next four years, Marine Rescue NSW will receive an additional $37.6 million in funding to deliver 38 new boats, provide new and upgraded operations bases and other facilities and reinforce the marine radio network,” Mr Elliott said.

Mr Provest said the modified Iveco Daily van would be used to provide critical command and control during major response operations and serve as a back-up communications system for units.

“This vehicle replaces a 26-year-old communications truck and will be an invaluable resource during extended and remote response operations,” Mr Provest said.

As part of the visit to the Tweed region, Mr Elliott and Mr Provest inspected the existing Kingscliff Fire Station following the recent announcement that a brand new, state-of-the-art $5.85 million facility would be built to replace it.

Finally, Mr Elliott and Mr Provest met with volunteers of the Tweed Heads SES unit to present a $2250 grant for two computers to assist with supporting first responders in operations, tasking, resource planning, logistics and other business.