New police station announced for Brisbane

Published Wednesday, 09 April, 2014 at 09:00 AM

Minister for Police, Fire and Emergency Services
The Honourable Jack Dempsey

Police in South Brisbane and West End will be able to provide better responses to the local community following the announcement of a new police station as part of the Newman Government’s commitment to revitalising frontline services.

Police Minister Jack Dempsey joined Commissioner of Police Ian Stewart and Police Union president Ian Leavers to officially announce the new station for West End.

“The LNP Government is committed to revitalising frontline services, and we’re delivering new modern facilities to deliver on that promise.” Mr Dempsey said.

“The former West End Police station is 130 years old, and was neglected under the former government with no major changes or upgrades.

“We are addressing that through a new modern fit for purpose station that will benefit officers, and responses to the local community.

“Today we are announcing a win for the local community and the officers of West End.”

Commissioner Ian Stewart said that the new station would replace the oldest serving police station in the State.

“In the year that we proudly celebrate 150 years of service it seems fitting that the oldest operating police station in the State makes way for a new complex that is fit for purpose,” Commissioner Ian Stewart said.

“It has remained in continued operation since with several modifications made to the original 19th Century timber and corrugated iron building.

“The new station a short hop away and the move maintains police operations in the heart of West End which is critical in terms of projected growth and policing requirements.” Commissioner Stewart said.

Queensland Police Union president Ian Leavers praised the Newman Government for listening to the concerns of rank and file police and acting on a solution.

“When Jack Dempsey first became Minister I invited him here to West End and took him on a tour of West End police station to show him that not much had changed in the station’s 130 years of operation that made it a significant workplace health and safety concern for police.

“He immediately took on board my request on behalf of the police who work here in one of the most diverse and neglected policing beats in the state for a solution and I am proud today to see that come to fruition.

“I also thank Premier Campbell Newman for his assistance for this result too. Today demonstrates that this is a government who is listening and more importantly that is actually implementing improvements on the ground for police.”

[ENDS] 9 April 2014                                     

Media Contact: Callum Stewart 0403 925 703