CONSTRUCTION of the new Riverstone police station is set to begin in 2013.
Riverstone MP Kevin Conolly said this was great news for the local community, who had lobbied for the new station to be built.
"I am advised that during the construction phase of the new police station, the command vehicle will be deployed to the Riverstone area to ensure community engagement with the police is maintained," he said.
The development application was first refused by Blacktown Council and the Sydney West Regional Planning Panel due to the site's location in a flood zone, before Minister for Planning Brad Hazzard overturned the decision. Approval for the development, which will cost $17 million, was granted at the end of July.
Construction of the three-storey station will include alterations and additions to the existing station, which is located in a heritage building, a basement car park and holding yard.
Riverstone Eyewatch co-ordinator Paul Hutchinson was one of the more than 1000 residents who petitioned for the new station and described the approval as proactive.
"It's been a long process, but it's good news indeed for the community," he said.
"This will be good for the whole north-west area, not just for Riverstone.
"It's great to see police patrolling the streets, so hopefully it will allow them to devote more time and police to foot patrols, meeting local businesses and community members."