Counter Terrorism and Community Safety Centre now underway

Design work is set to begin on the Queensland Government’s $46.7 million Counter Terrorism and Community Safety Centre project at the Westgate Complex in Wacol.

Acting Minister for State Development, Manufacturing, Infrastructure and Planning Stirling Hinchliffe today announced the appointment of GHD as principal consultants for the construction of the scenario village and Fortitude Valley-based PDT Architects as principal consultants for the refurbishment works.

Mr Hinchliffe said the training facility will include new structures and the refurbishment of heritage-listed buildings into office accommodation for the training personnel.

“PDT Architects was appointed on 3 November 2017 as the Principal Consultant/Architect for the refurbishment of heritage listed Jacaranda and Silky Oak Houses and associated car parking,” Mr Hinchliffe said.

“The concept design of the scenario village will start this month with recently appointed GHD as the Principal Consultant for the village project.”

Mr Hinchliffe said it is estimated the project will create 130 jobs during construction and offer a range of opportunities for local businesses.

“This project will create local jobs and business supply opportunities,” he said.

“The high level of interest received since the release demonstrates how enthusiastic businesses are to get behind this project.”
 
The Public Safety Business Agency is managing the delivery of the Counter Terrorism and Community Safety Centre on behalf of Queensland Police Service in collaboration with the Department of State Development, Manufacturing, Infrastructure and Planning.
 
Mr Hinchliffe said businesses have started lining up for works packages released via the ICN Gateway website. 

“The first package of works is for the refurbishment of the heritage listed Jacaranda and Silky Oak Houses and additional carparking for Yuggera House,” Mr Hinchliffe said.
 
“More than 100 (as at 15 Jan) businesses have sought information online about works packages for the refurbishment component of the project since the first EOI was released on 20 December 2017.

“Local businesses will have plenty more opportunities for work once the head contractors for the refurbishment and the construction of the village are appointed and trade packages start rolling out.

“I urge local businesses to register their capabilities at www.icngateway.com.au so that their information can be made available to head contractors as part of the future managing contractor bidding process.”
 
Police Minister Mark Ryan said 70 per cent of all police officers in Queensland will be within a 100-kilometre radius of the new training facilities at Wacol. 

“The training centre will be used by the Queensland Police Service (QPS) for counter-terrorism training to increase their capability in managing terrorism and other critical incidents,” Mr Ryan said.
 
“It is expected that all recruits and the majority of police officers will conduct their yearly training at this new training facility. 

“Police will be able to train at any time of the day or night and in any weather in the firearms and simunition training facilities.”

The Queensland Government is currently calling for Expressions of Interests (EOI) for a head contractor for the refurbishment works, and there are opportunities for local contractors to register online their interest in future work.

The EOI for the head contractor for the refurbishment is open at hpw.qld.gov.au/qtenders/ until 22 January 2018.

The project is on schedule for refurbishment works to start on site in April 2018 and the project will be completed by mid-2020.

More information about the project can be viewed at www.statedevelopment.qld.gov.au/ctcsc and https://ctcsc.icn.org.au

Media contact: Martin Philip 0427 919 548