Two major police building projects are set to ramp up in Cairns, delivering state-of-the-art facilities for local officers and the Far North community.
The Cairns infrastructure projects are in addition to others in the Far North, including at Aurukun, Pormpuraaw and Saibai Island, projects which have either been completed, are under construction, or are at the tender stage.
These infrastructure investments are a key part of Queensland's plan for economic recovery from COVID-19.
In total, the state government is investing approximately $50 million in police infrastructure in the Far North, as part of a statewide $300 million police infrastructure pipeline.
In Cairns, site preparations were now underway at Manoora for the new West Cairns Police Facility while construction is set to begin within weeks on the next stage of the $17 million upgrade of Cairns City Police Station.
Police Minister Mark Ryan said the two major building projects will support community safety strategies across the growing region.
"The Queensland Government is committed to supporting police operations and enhancing policing services for the Far North community," Minister Ryan said. "It is exciting to see the projects taking shape with preparation work such as demolition of existing buildings nearing completion at the site of the new West Cairns Police Facility.
"Construction upgrades are also due to commence next month on the next stage of the $17 million revamp of Cairns City Police Station.
"The refurbishment work will include upgraded office accommodation, interview rooms, and staff amenities.
"The project will support up to 57 full time equivalent jobs for contractors and builders in the local community.
"The new West Cairns police facility will provide scope for multi-agency collaboration capabilities.
"Both projects will deliver contemporary policing facilities which build police capability and capacity for the future."
Member for Cairns, Michael Healy, said the government was demonstrating its unwavering commitment to the state's Far North.
"I am proud to be part of a government that places such a high priority on community safety.
"And I am proud to be part of a government that delivers the infrastructure that supports both the community and the supremely dedicated and professional members of our world class police service."
Far Northern Region Assistant Commissioner Brett Schafferius said the projects would help meet the growing demand for policing services across the region.
"The Far North region continues to grow in population and demand for policing services continues to rise," Assistant Commissioner Schafferius said.
"The building projects will significantly enhance policing operations in Cairns by supporting our frontline officers and introducing a stronger police presence in the West Cairns area.
"The new facility based at Manoora will directly link-in to our longer-term policing strategies to prevent and deter crime in high-growth areas."
