Safety boost for Ipswich rail commuters

Commuters and Ipswich residents will experience the benefits of an active police presence following the construction of a brand new Police Outpost at the Ipswich Railway Station.

Transport and Main Roads Minister Scott Emerson, Police Minister Jack Dempsey and Member for Ipswich Ian Berry inspected the works underway at the station and said it delivered on the Government’s election promise to revitalise frontline services for families.

“Ipswich is an ideal spot as it allows officers to focus on the outer Ipswich and Rosewood line, while the Redbank team can focus on inner Ipswich stations and the Springfield line,” Mr Emerson said.

“The Queensland Government has a strong plan for a brighter future for every passenger and we are delivering this outpost, where Labor wouldn’t, as a part of that plan.

“We are contributing $500,000 to provide a permanent base of operations for officers from the Queensland Police Service Railway Squad in Ipswich.

“The Ipswich police outpost will be the sixth in South East Queensland joining Robina, Roma Street, Manly, Beenleigh and Petrie.”

Police Minister Jack Dempsey said that the Queensland Police Service would contribute officers to ongoing operations at the outpost.

“We promised to revitalise frontline services for families in Ipswich and this outpost will ensure better service delivery for them,” Mr Dempsey said.

“The Ipswich Railway Station outpost will be staffed by six officers including a team-leading Sergeant.

“We have already delivered more than 750 additional police on the beat across Queensland, and we’re ensuring Ipswich has the resources it needs today and into the future.”

Acting Commissioner Brett Pointing said the Railway Squad provided a dedicated visible uniform police presence on the Queensland Rail (QR) City Network to promote passenger and staff safety and security.

“The current strength of the Railway Squad is 66 sworn members, and includes a dedicated Intelligence Unit, Crime Prevention Coordinator and a Firearms Explosive Detection Dog capability,” Acting Commissioner Pointing said.

Member for Ipswich Ian Berry welcomed the announcement as a sign of the Government’s commitment to Ipswich.

“When I was elected in 2012 I committed to Ipswich families that we would revitalise frontline services, where Labor had failed,” Mr Berry said.

“As Member for Ipswich I have worked locally to deliver more police, safer streets, better infrastructure, and the outpost is part of that continued delivery.”

[ENDS] 29 May 2014

Media Contact: Andrew Kos 0408 912 821 or Sarah Henderson 0409 827 773