The first stage of a project to significantly improve housing for police officers on the West Coast is complete.

In Queenstown, six houses and the local police station have been extensively renovated at a cost of $1million.

The Department of Police, Fire and Emergency Management provides housing for Tasmania Police officers stationed in remote and country towns throughout the state.

“These properties were built in the late 1960s and 1970s and while they were structurally sound, they were subject to damp and other maintenance issues as a result of the West Coast climate,” said Acting Commander Adrian Bodnar.

“Remote area policing is a critical role for Tasmania Police, and providing housing in good condition encourages police officers and their families to live, stay and become part of the community in country areas.

“Here in Queenstown, we have seven officers and their families ready to move into their new homes,” said Acting Commander Bodnar.

A total of fifteen properties will be renovated over the two years of the Upgrade Police Housing – West Coast project. Under the $2 million project, twelve properties in Queenstown, Zeehan, Rosebery, Strahan and Waratah will be refurbished.

Local companies have made a significant contribution to the project to date.

ARTAS, Launceston based architectural consultants, were engaged as the principal architect to provide design and drawing services for the West Coast project.

Tasmanian construction company, Vos Construction, undertook the renovation of the six properties, providing employment for ten workers.