New complex to take pride of place

THE start of work on Pakenham’s new police and emergency services headquarters was welcomed with excitement last week by both the people who will use it, and those who helped make it happen.
Police, Country Fire Authority, State Emergency Service and Cardinia Shire officials joined other major project partners at the sodturning ceremony.
Cardinia district police inspector Chris Major said the new complex would provide a facility of which the whole community could be proud.
Pakenham CFA captain Vince Ingram said firefighters were looking forward to the move and SES member Debbie Graham said emergency service volunteers could not wait. “We’re so excited, we really are. It will be such an improvement on where we are now and it’s going to help us all work together more,” she said.
Cardinia Shire mayor Garry Runge said the council was pleased to have donated the land for such an important piece of infrastructure.
Council donated the fiveacre site for the project which it said was valued at $4 million. Located with direct access to the Princes Highway at Lakeside, the site was selected to provide fast, easy access for emergency vehicles to enter and exit.
A former policeman, Cr Runge said: “The $4million worth of land is a significant investment for a council, but we see it as an investment in the safety of our community. It also recognises and supports the fantastic work of Cardinia’s emergency service staff and volunteers.”
Gembrook MP Tammy Lobato said: “This fantastic new complex is being designed to cater, not just for existing residents in and around Pakenham, but also for future residents.”
About the only person with mixed feelings about the new development was a boy who lived in the nearby Lakeside estate, across the road from the site.
After inquiring what all the fuss was about, the youngster was told there would be a lot more police around the area in the near future.
“Oh well,” he said somewhat ruefully. “Looks like I’ll have to wear my bike helmet more often.”