Major new Counter Terrorism facility for Queensland

Published Sunday, 31 March, 2019 at 08:30 AM

Minister for Police and Minister for Corrective Services
The Honourable Mark Ryan

A Queensland owned and operated company has been selected to build a world class Counter Terrorism and Community Safety Training facility at Wacol.

FKG Group will construct the project.

The company has extensive experience in delivering high quality building and engineering projects, including for the Police Service.

The project includes construction of two firearm ranges, multi-function training centre and a scenario village.

The project also consists of the refurbishment of two heritage buildings, Jacaranda House and Silky Oak House.

The Counter-Terrorism training facility will provide front line and tactical police officers an increased capability in managing terrorism and other critical incidents.

Police Minister Mark Ryan said the new facility was part of the Palaszczuk Government’s response to the threat of terrorism.

“As the events in Christchurch have illustrated so painfully, no country is immune to the threat posed by those who would attack our peaceful, democratic way of life.

“The Queensland Police Service responded immediately to those events, invoking all counter-terrorism measures.

“Leading that response was the Counter-Terrorism Command, established by the Palaszczuk Government.

“The Command’s specialist officers play a vital role in keeping the community safe.

“Our government is funding 85 new counter terrorism specialists, to be embedded statewide.

“This new Counter Terrorism Training facility is the next step in ensuring our tactical specialists and frontline police officers are expertly trained for whatever threats arise,” the Minister said.

Deputy Commissioner (Crime, Counter-Terrorism and Specialist Operations) Steve Gollschewski said that tragically, the recent events in Christchurch had reaffirmed the importance of ensuring police are equipped with the resources and skills required.

“The training centre will strengthen the QPS’ capability in managing terrorism and critical incidents by providing a realistic training environment and world class facilities,” Deputy Commissioner Gollschewski said.

The $46m training facility will create 130 jobs during construction.

The new facility is due for completion in July 2020.

Ends

The below link provides access to high quality vision of Specialist Officers using explosives and high-powered weapons to enter buildings under siege.

https://d2haxmvzil2swt.cloudfront.net/uploads/2019/03/28/13303_Sert_for_Media_1.mp4

Media contacts 

Minister Ryan’s Office: Ph: (07) 3035 8300

Police Media: Ph: (07) 3015 2444