The Palaszczuk Government has announced two more police for Russell Island.
This follows an historic meeting of the Queensland Cabinet in the Redlands.
Member for Redlands, Kim Richards, has welcomed the range of initiatives.
Kim Richards told The Friendly Bay Islander that Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk has listened to her calls for more police resources for the islands.
Several initiatives were announced when the Premier visited Weinam Creek with Member for Redlands Kim Richards, accompanied by the Police Minister Mark Ryan and the Police Commissioner Ian Stewart.
Also, a new police barge was delivered to Redland Bay Water Police and started operating just over two weeks ago.
As well, the Redland Bay Criminal Investigation Branch started operating from Redland Bay Police Station last month with the office comprising four detectives from the Bayside Crime Unit Detectives to support criminal investigation in the Redland Bay Police Division.
“This has enabled additional support across the Redlands,” Kim Richards said.
Two additional police positions have been allocated to Russell Island, representing an increase from two approved positions to four.”
The Premier said policing was an important area for the community.
“The policing of the Southern Moreton Bay Islands, in particular, is something we have been looking at, including the police staffing of the islands; how to conduct regular proactive patrols; and addressing urgent and non-urgent calls for service,” Premier Palaszczuk said.
“The new police vessel has increased Water Police capability enabling more joint deployments and multiple island visas in a single voyage.”
Comments by the Premier and Kim Richards were endorsed by Queensland Commissioner Ian Stewart.
He said additional police had been designated to Russell Island in the first instance.
“We are going to sort our Russell Island first.
“There has been improvements in police results on Russell Island and demographics indicate that the islands are changing for the better,” Commissioner Stewart said.
Police Minister Mark Ryan said the additional resources for the Bay Islands illustrated the Queensland Police Service’s commitment to Queensland.
“No matter when you live in Queensland, you can be assured police will be properly resourced to provide a level of policing every Queenslander is entitled to,” he said.
• Kim Richards is pictured on the new police vessel at Weinam Creek with Premier Palaszczuk as well as the Police Minister Ryan and Commissioner Stewart.