Construction is underway in the first major steps towards rebuilding the Dunalley Police Station and residence destroyed in the January 2013 bushfires.

The new police station will be a permanent, architecturally-designed brick veneer building on the same site as the destroyed station.

The new station fronts the Arthur Highway and will be a beacon of reassurance to residents and tourists travelling to Dunalley and the Tasman Peninsula.

A four-bedroom, two bathroom residence is being built next door to the station to replace the 1950s-built police residence that was destroyed in the fire.

Completion of the two buildings is expected in late September.

Since the fires the two Dunalley-based police officers, constables Danny Jackson and David McKenzie, have been working out of the Dunalley Fire and Ambulance Station.

“Rebuilding the police station is a clear demonstration of not only our resilience as a police service but of the resilience of Tasmanians,” said Assistant Commissioner of Police, Donna Adams.

“We hope that the new station will become a key part of community life.

“Dunalley is the gateway to the Tasman Peninsula and the station is strategically placed on the main road to be seen and utilised by residents and visitors.

“Construction of the new police residence is also good news.

“It’s important for our officers to live in the areas they police so as they can respond at all times, build good community relationships and better understand local issues.

“Rebuilding the station and residence shows how committed we are to communities in the Dunalley area,” Ms Adams said.