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Permanent police pod is closer than ever

Permanent police pod is closer than ever

The planned police pod for Southbank is closer than ever, with the City of Melbourne convinced that the Queensbridge Square site is the ideal location.

The site has been bandied around as an option for the new pod and, after a recent formal assessment of the site, the council is now sure it is the most suitable position.

Council People and Creative City chair Cr Jennifer Kanis said: “The City of Melbourne will now finalise plans for a permanent police pod.”

The catalyst for a decision finally being made was the use of a temporary facility at Queensbridge Square.

“The recent trial of a mobile police facility resulted in positive feedback from the community and both police and council are comfortable with the location,” Cr Kanis said.

In an unusual move, the City of Melbourne will be paying for the pod to be built, but will design the new structure in consultation with Victoria Police, to ensure it is practical for the five officers who will occupy it at any one time.

Last November the City of Melbourne agreed to foot the bill for the $350,000 project, in response to community concerns about rising violence and disruption in Southbank, especially on Friday and Saturday nights.

The president of the Southbank Residents Group, Joe Bagnara, said residents were in favour of the planned police pod, and hoped construction wasn’t far away.

“We are interested in prevention and only a visual police presence will ensure we keep Southbank safe. We’re ecstatic that this community service has at last been introduced,” Mr Bagnara said.

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