Published Monday, 26 February, 2007 at 02:53 PM
JOINT STATEMENT
Premier and Minister for Trade
The Honourable Peter Beattie
Minister for Police and Corrective Services
The Honourable Judy Spence
Minister for Public Works, Housing and Information and Communication Technology
The Honourable Robert Schwarten
MASSIVE MULTI- MILLION DOLLAR EXPANSION OF VALLEY POLICE STATION
Premier Peter Beattie has announced a massive expansion and renovation project for a Fortitude Valley icon building, the heritage-listed police station on the corner of Brookes and Wickham Street.
Mr Beattie said the heritage-listed station will be subject to a Brisbane City Council Development Application and an EPA Heritage Council Submission.
Plans will be shortly be available to the public for feedback before work starts on the site.
“The Valley Police Station is a Brisbane icon however police numbers have increased dramatically since it first opened more than 70 years ago,” Mr Beattie said.
“While it’s a beautiful old building, it no longer meets the operational demands of modern day policing and does not have the room to accommodate future growth in policing numbers.”
Mr Beattie said Fortitude Valley is one of the busiest entertainment precincts in Queensland.
“On any given weekend up to 60,000 people visit the area to enjoy its markets, restaurants and night life,” Mr Beattie said.
“This has necessitated an increase in police numbers in the area, to respond to issues and maintain public safety.”
Minister for Public Works, Robert Schwarten said the project would be managed by Public Works in two stages:
• Stage I - construction of a two-storey building next to the existing heritage-listed station, connected by walkway links on each level;
• Stage II – a major internal refurbishment of the existing station.
Mr Schwarten said tenders for stage one are expected to be called in April this year, with construction expected to take 12-18 months.
He said details of the building proposal will be open to the public during a 15 day community consultation period, starting on 28 February 2007 until 20 March 2007.
Minister for Police, Judy Spence said the project will provide more space and better working conditions for general duties police and officers from the Criminal Investigation Branch, Child Protection Investigation Unit, Tactical Crime Squad, management and support staff.
“The building’s historical significance has been a major consideration during the planning of this redevelopment and all precautions have been taken to ensure this is preserved,” Ms Spence said.
“This upgrade is essential, as police numbers in the Valley have been significantly increased since this station first opened in 1936.
“There is currently an approved strength of 386 police in the Brisbane Central district, which takes in the Valley, CBD and surrounding areas.
“Police numbers in the Metropolitan North Region, which takes in this district, have increased by 31% since we were first elected in 1998, from 895 to 1173 today.
“There are now more police on the beat, they use more proactive policing methods, and they also have new powers – such as statewide move-on powers.”
Ms Spence said police and security initiatives in the CBD and Valley have increased over the past two years as a result of the government’s 17-point Brisbane City Safety Action Plan.
“The 17-point plan has delivered a second Tactical Crime Squad which is based in the Valley, as well as a new police rostering system, 3am lockouts, drug detection dog operations, a brawler van and a speed processing system to fast-track the processing of public nuisance offenders,” Ms Spence said.
“These initiatives are putting more police on the streets when and where problems arise.
“Now we’re focussing on improving police resources and infrastructure.”
Ms Spence said today’s announcement follows the current construction of a $504,000 upgrade to the 24 hour police beat in the Fortitude Valley mall earlier this month.
“The beat will have new holding cells, which will boost safety in the office area and help prevent damage to walls and work spaces,” Ms Spence said.
“It will also features a secure glass screen fixed to the reception counter, an interview room, a fingerprint and charge area, automatic entry door, storage and improved office accommodation.”
Ms Spence said a new CCTV camera system has also been installed, with seven cameras and viewing monitors, as well as duress alarms for officers and staff.
Details of the proposal will be available to the public during a 15 day community consultation period which will be advertised shortly.
February 26, 2007
Media contacts: Premier’s office – 3225 4500
Minister’s office – 3239 6172
Mr Beattie said the heritage-listed station will be subject to a Brisbane City Council Development Application and an EPA Heritage Council Submission.
Plans will be shortly be available to the public for feedback before work starts on the site.
“The Valley Police Station is a Brisbane icon however police numbers have increased dramatically since it first opened more than 70 years ago,” Mr Beattie said.
“While it’s a beautiful old building, it no longer meets the operational demands of modern day policing and does not have the room to accommodate future growth in policing numbers.”
Mr Beattie said Fortitude Valley is one of the busiest entertainment precincts in Queensland.
“On any given weekend up to 60,000 people visit the area to enjoy its markets, restaurants and night life,” Mr Beattie said.
“This has necessitated an increase in police numbers in the area, to respond to issues and maintain public safety.”
Minister for Public Works, Robert Schwarten said the project would be managed by Public Works in two stages:
• Stage I - construction of a two-storey building next to the existing heritage-listed station, connected by walkway links on each level;
• Stage II – a major internal refurbishment of the existing station.
Mr Schwarten said tenders for stage one are expected to be called in April this year, with construction expected to take 12-18 months.
He said details of the building proposal will be open to the public during a 15 day community consultation period, starting on 28 February 2007 until 20 March 2007.
Minister for Police, Judy Spence said the project will provide more space and better working conditions for general duties police and officers from the Criminal Investigation Branch, Child Protection Investigation Unit, Tactical Crime Squad, management and support staff.
“The building’s historical significance has been a major consideration during the planning of this redevelopment and all precautions have been taken to ensure this is preserved,” Ms Spence said.
“This upgrade is essential, as police numbers in the Valley have been significantly increased since this station first opened in 1936.
“There is currently an approved strength of 386 police in the Brisbane Central district, which takes in the Valley, CBD and surrounding areas.
“Police numbers in the Metropolitan North Region, which takes in this district, have increased by 31% since we were first elected in 1998, from 895 to 1173 today.
“There are now more police on the beat, they use more proactive policing methods, and they also have new powers – such as statewide move-on powers.”
Ms Spence said police and security initiatives in the CBD and Valley have increased over the past two years as a result of the government’s 17-point Brisbane City Safety Action Plan.
“The 17-point plan has delivered a second Tactical Crime Squad which is based in the Valley, as well as a new police rostering system, 3am lockouts, drug detection dog operations, a brawler van and a speed processing system to fast-track the processing of public nuisance offenders,” Ms Spence said.
“These initiatives are putting more police on the streets when and where problems arise.
“Now we’re focussing on improving police resources and infrastructure.”
Ms Spence said today’s announcement follows the current construction of a $504,000 upgrade to the 24 hour police beat in the Fortitude Valley mall earlier this month.
“The beat will have new holding cells, which will boost safety in the office area and help prevent damage to walls and work spaces,” Ms Spence said.
“It will also features a secure glass screen fixed to the reception counter, an interview room, a fingerprint and charge area, automatic entry door, storage and improved office accommodation.”
Ms Spence said a new CCTV camera system has also been installed, with seven cameras and viewing monitors, as well as duress alarms for officers and staff.
Details of the proposal will be available to the public during a 15 day community consultation period which will be advertised shortly.
February 26, 2007
Media contacts: Premier’s office – 3225 4500
Minister’s office – 3239 6172