The historic Kiama Police Station has been officially reopened just in time for the busiest time of year.

Minister for Police and Counter-terrorism Yasmin Catley, Kiama MP Katelin McInerney and Deputy Commissioner Paul Pisanos were on hand to announce the reopening on Monday morning following the temporary closure of the station from late April until last month.

The 141-year-old station closed down for renovation works, including the replacement of roof sheets and guttering, the removal of damaged skylights, mould remediation, repainting and new carpeting.

Officers will be on duty at the station from 9am to 5pm Monday to Sunday and the Kiama local government area will continue to be serviced 24 hours a day by the Lake Illawarra Police District from its headquarters in Oak Flats with officers patrolling in fully equipped police vehicles that function as mobile police stations.

These patrols ensure round-the-clock coverage for the community and surrounding areas, backed by specialist units and intelligence-based deployments as needed.

Catley said the Government was focused on delivering the resources, support and reforms needed to attract new recruits, retain experienced officers and give police the tools they need to keep communities safe.

“The Kiama Police Station has stood the test of time and remains a much-loved part of this beautiful town," she said.

“Face-to-face interaction with police is important for many people, and this building provides just that. It stands as a place of connection for the community and complements the outstanding work of officers across the Lake Illawarra Police District."

Catley added the Government was committed to backing police with "the safe workplaces, facilities and resources they need to keep communities right across the South Coast safe”.

She said they are working hard to rebuild the Police Force with measures such as:

• Delivering a once-in-a-generation pay rise for police officers
• Establishing an historic scheme to pay recruits to train, resulting in a 70 per cent increase in applications to join the NSWPF
• Establishing the Be a Cop in Your Hometown program
• Establishing the Professional Mobility Program to incentivise experienced officers from interstate and New Zealand to join the NSWPF.

McInerney was thrilled to see the station operational again.

“The Kiama Police Station is part of the fabric of our town, and it’s fantastic to see this historic building back open and serving the community," she said.

“These works mean our local police have a safe and clean workplace, and our community continues to have a welcoming, accessible point of contact.”