- First sod turn on Stage 1 of the new Kirwan police precinct.
- Precinct will deliver a new state-of-the-art police station and nation leading police academy.
- Facilities will also be provided for specialist police functions including the Youth Co-Responder Team, Rapid Action Patrol Group, and Tactical Crime Squad.
The construction of a state-of-the-art Kirwan police precinct for North Queensland is now underway in Townsville.
Police Minister Mark Ryan and Police Commissioner Steve Gollschewski joined local MPs to turn the sod at the site of the new Kirwan Police Precinct.
In what is believed to be a national-first, the massive community safety precinct will see a Police Academy, Police Station, Policelink call centre, and numerous administrative and specialists police functions co-located on the one site.
Stage 1 of the project includes the relocation of the current Kirwan police station and co-locating important specialised QPS teams within a modern purpose-built facility.
Townsville Domestic and Family Violence (DFV) & Victim Protection Unit (VPU) and High-Risk Team; Youth Co-Responder Team (YCRT); Townsville District Tactical Crime Squad; Townsville Rapid Action Patrol Group (RAP); Stronger Communities Action Group and the new Townsville PoliceLink will also form part of Stage 1 of the new police complex.
Stage 1 is expected to be delivered on time, as committed, by mid-2025.
Stage 2 which includes the new Police Academy will also be progressed with the upcoming State Budget allocating $100 million for construction.
Tenders for Stage 2 are expected to be called by the end of the year to ensure the entire precinct project can be delivered as soon as possible.
The new Academy will also increase training capacity for police recruits and comes at an important time with record numbers wanting to join the Queensland Police Service.
This month has seen over 600 recruits in training at Queensland's Police Academies and there are over 2000 applicants in the police recruit pipeline.
As Queensland leads the nation on police recruitment, it is important to continue to invest in nation-leading training facilities.
As stated by Minister Mark Ryan: "This is a key community safety infrastructure project for Townsville which shows our Government's commitment to policing in North Queensland," he said.
"This state-of-the-art facility was designed with extensive evaluation and consultation with the primary focus on ensuring the delivery of modern policing.
"The new modern academy will enhance training for our future police officers and, once delivered, will secure the future of police recruitment and training in North Queensland.
"The project demonstrates the Government's commitment to supporting our police, supporting community safety and supporting North Queensland.
"It is disappointing that this project has been criticised by some including the LNP.
"The fact is that the LNP has never stated that they support this project.
"They've never made a commitment to deliver this project and there is every likelihood that they won't progress this project if they are elected to government.
"Police and the people of Northern Queensland cannot count on the LNP to deliver this project because the LNP has never supported this project."
As stated by Member for Thuringowa Aaron Harper: "I fought hard to get this project off the ground at the last election so it's fantastic to see construction officially underway.
"The Miles Government will always back our police with the equipment and facilities they need and this new police precinct at Kirwan is another way we are supporting the people that help keep our community safe.
"At the last election, the LNP, including their candidate for Thuringowa, refused to back the QPS.
"They wanted to turn the old North Queensland Cowboys home into a harness racing track.
"It's the Miles Government that is continuing to back the Queensland Police Service."
As stated by Member for Mundingburra Les Walker: "Having a modern and fit-for-purpose facility for our police is an important investment in community safety.
"We will continue to work with police to make sure they have everything they need to do their jobs and keep our community safe."
As stated by Member for Townsville Scott Stewart: "Already recruits are able to get on the ground training at the Townsville Police Academy but by building the Kirwan police precinct we are making sure our police have the best infrastructure to learn at.
"As a government, ensuring our police who do an amazing job protecting the community, have what they need is a top priority."
As stated by Commissioner Steve Gollschewski:
"The new Kirwan Police Complex will offer QPS, our officers, and the wider Townsville community a state-of-the-art police facility to support our police every day that they are fighting crime and keeping the community safe.
"The QPS is focused on keeping our community safe and supporting our workforce.
"Building a world-class training facility in North Queensland will help ensure we are equipping our recruits and officers with contemporary training experiences.
"As the demand for police services increase, this police facility, housing multiple specialist police will serve our workforce well into the future."
As stated by Northern Region Acting Assistant Commissioner Glen Pointing:
"It is fantastic to see construction begin on the Kirwan Police Complex.
"This state-of-the-art policing hub is an investment in the future of policing in Townsville District, providing our officers with a modern, purpose-built facility.
"As always community safety as our highest priority and I would like to acknowledge our hard working, dedication officers working 24/7 for our community," Acting Assistant Commissioner Pointing said.
