$100M Stage Two of the Kirwan Police Complex moves closer to fruition

• The tender process for a principal contractor Stage Two of the Kirwan Police Complex is now open.
• Stage Two includes the new North Queensland Police Academy and new facilities for the Townsville Dog Squad.
• The new North Queensland Police Academy will include a purpose-built education and training facility, including specialised operational and scenario-based training facilities, as well as physical training and testing spaces.

The highly anticipated Kirwan Police Complex is one step closer to opening, with expressions of interest for a principal consultant for Stage Two now out in market.

The Stage One of the new Complex is currently under construction and includes the relocation of the current Kirwan Police Station and co-locating important specialised QPS teams within a modern purpose-built facility, to meet the changing needs of the North Queensland population.

The procurement of a principal consultant for Stage Two is now underway, with the successful tenderer to be responsible for working with various QPS stakeholders to finalise the design into 2025.

A Preliminary Design Report has now been completed and includes the relocation of the North Queensland Police Academy and the Townsville Dog Squad.

Stage Two will deliver a purpose-built education and training facility, including multiple classrooms for recruits and QPS staff, specialised operational and scenario-based training facilities and physical training and testing spaces.

With works progressing well, the construction of Stage One is on track and is expected to be delivered on time, by mid-2025.

The state-of-the-art precinct will enhance capabilities for specialist units who can now operate under the same roof, while also giving new recruits a unique training experience, and access to operational police.

The QPS continues to lead the nation on police recruitment and is committed to delivering top-tier standards of training to the 2000 applicants in the police recruit pipeline.

Quotes attributable to Police Minister Mark Ryan:

“The Kirwan Police Complex is progressing in accordance with our planning and beginning the tender process for Stage Two means we can deliver this entire project as soon as possible.

“There is a lot of consultation with important stakeholders taking place, and that will continue to ensure we build the best possible Complex to serve this growing community well into the future.

“The Academy is a huge part of this project as we know the QPS recruit pipeline is strong, and we want to ensure they get the highest possible standard of training to serve our state.”

Quotes attributable to Police Commissioner Steve Gollschewski:

“The Kirwan Police Complex will boost the operational capability and development of our north Queensland QPS members, having greater access to modern and state-of-the-art training facilities.

“The investment in the purpose-built education facility will play a significant role in recruiting and training the next generation of police officers.

“Stage Two will include the relocation of the North Queensland Police Academy and the Townsville Dog Squad and will complement the Stage One capabilities such as Youth Co-Responder Team, the Tactical Crime Squad and the Rapid Action Patrol Group.”

Quotes attributable to Thuringowa MP Aaron Harper:

“I fought hard to bring this project to fruition because our police deserve the best facilities as they help keep our community safe.

“The LNP showed their true colours by not backing the police when they wanted to build a harness racing track at the site.

“I will always back the Queensland Police Service with what they need and I’m excited this project has reached this important milestone.”

Quotes attributable to Mundingburra MP Les Walker:

“We want to see police trained in the best possible facilities and this infrastructure will help deliver that.”

“Many of these new officers will be based in Townsville and the broader region so it will be great for them to be able to have access to the state-of-the-art facilities.”

Quotes attributable to Townsville MP Scott Stewart:

“I have and will always continue to advocate for the people of Townsville. Our frontline worker should have the best infrastructure so they can focus on the good work they are doing.

“It’s only a Miles Labor Government that supports our police officers, unlike the risky LNP who are known for their cuts to jobs and making our police to pay for their own safety equipment.” 

Media contacts 

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

Police Media: Ph: (07) 3015 2444