Minister for Police and Corrective Services and Minister for Fire and Emergency Services, the Honourable Mark Ryan MP joined Commissioner Katarina Carroll and Queensland Police Union Secretary Mick Barnes today for the official opening of the new Caboolture Watchhouse.
The new $14.4 million watchhouse is on the site of the previous Caboolture Police Station, which was relocated with the opening of the new Caboolture Police Station and Moreton District Headquarters in 2019, to a new location only a short distance up the road.
In addition to the new watchhouse facilities, the new building also provides specialist facilities to accommodate up to 40 support staff from units including the Caboolture Prosecution Corp, Domestic and Family Violence Unit, Moreton District Youth Co-Responder Team and the Moreton District Tasking and Coordination Unit.
Minister Ryan said the new watchhouse demonstrated the Palaszczuk Government's commitment to providing the Queensland Police Service with the necessary facilities to keep the community safe.
"I would like to thank all police who work in Caboolture and the Moreton Bay region for their dedication and professionalism to keeping our community safe," Minister Ryan said.
"The rapid growth of this region in recent years means police facilities need to keep pace with the requirements of the local community.
"With the population increasing in suburbs north of Brisbane, modern facilities like this one are vital to maintaining community safety."
"This Watchhouse will expand upon the capabilities of the Caboolture Police Station and Moreton District Office facilities up the road, providing complementary services."
Commissioner Carroll said the new watchhouse was necessary to maintain service delivery in the Moreton District, which continues to expand.
"We have identified the need to provide the Moreton Policing District with more resources, and this new watchhouse facility is the latest addition," Commissioner Carroll said.
"This new facility will enable police to continue their work in keeping the community safe and providing a high standard of service throughout the area.
"Housing important specialist units within this building ensures our officers are available where they are needed throughout the Moreton District."
Queensland Police Union Secretary, Mick Barnes, said ensuring police have modern facilities is of paramount importance.
"The opening of this new watchhouse is great news for our police, watchhouse officers and QPU members who work in Caboolture and right across the entire Moreton District," Mr Barnes.
"I thank Minister Ryan and the Commissioner for listening to our advocacy and giving their full support which has resulted in this new facility which will in-turn support frontline police in this area."
The state-of-the-art facility is scheduled to be fully operational from June 19, and by accommodating a range of specialist policing units, ensures they remain embedded in the local communities in which they work.
