Published Thursday, 14 August, 2008 at 06:34 PM
Minister for Police, Corrective Services and Sport
The Honourable Judy Spence
Minister Spence officially opens new Wujal Wujal Police Station
Policing in the Wujal Wujal community has received a major boost with the official opening of the town’s new Police Station today, by Police Minister Judy Spence.
Ms Spence said the Queensland Government has spent $4.3 Million to establish the new station, with watch house facilities and police accommodation on site – an indication of the government’s commitment to improving services in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.
“This significant investment in policing infrastructure is enabling officers to provide improved service delivery to the community of Wujal Wujal,” Ms Spence said.
“For the first time, Wujal Wujal now has a permanent policing presence.
“Prior to February 2006, police had to travel the 75km (around one and half hours) from Cooktown to provide assistance to this community.
“In February 2006, we began rostering police on rotation in Wujal Wujal, working out of a council residence on Douglas Drive and Herloin Street.
“While this assisted in ensuring faster response times, police did not have appropriate infrastructure to support their operations, and without permanent officers there was limited opportunity for building partnerships between police and the community.
“Since this new station became operational in April this year, local police have been developing strong ties with the local Community Justice Group, businesses and the school.
“The new Officer in Charge, Sergeant Craig Roberts is taking a proactive approach to crime prevention, working on community partnerships to reduce alcohol abuse, domestic violence and truancy.
“With Constable Mick Rumble set to take up his position at the station shortly, I’m sure these initiatives will continue to grow.”
Member for Cook, Jason O’Brien said: “The people of Wujal Wujal have shown great support for their local police – and the development of this new station.
“Now with greater access to their local officers, I’m sure this support will continue.
“With a permanent police presence and strong community partnerships we can continue to build a safer community.”
Construction of the new police station commenced in July 2007 and was completed in April this year. The watchhouse was completed this month, and includes CCTV.
The new police station include two day rooms, an electronic interview room, training/major incident room, visiting CIB staff overnight accommodation, laundry, kitchen facilities, and two new modern houses to accommodate the new permanent police officers and their families.
Media Contact: Minister’s Office – 3239 6218
Ms Spence said the Queensland Government has spent $4.3 Million to establish the new station, with watch house facilities and police accommodation on site – an indication of the government’s commitment to improving services in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.
“This significant investment in policing infrastructure is enabling officers to provide improved service delivery to the community of Wujal Wujal,” Ms Spence said.
“For the first time, Wujal Wujal now has a permanent policing presence.
“Prior to February 2006, police had to travel the 75km (around one and half hours) from Cooktown to provide assistance to this community.
“In February 2006, we began rostering police on rotation in Wujal Wujal, working out of a council residence on Douglas Drive and Herloin Street.
“While this assisted in ensuring faster response times, police did not have appropriate infrastructure to support their operations, and without permanent officers there was limited opportunity for building partnerships between police and the community.
“Since this new station became operational in April this year, local police have been developing strong ties with the local Community Justice Group, businesses and the school.
“The new Officer in Charge, Sergeant Craig Roberts is taking a proactive approach to crime prevention, working on community partnerships to reduce alcohol abuse, domestic violence and truancy.
“With Constable Mick Rumble set to take up his position at the station shortly, I’m sure these initiatives will continue to grow.”
Member for Cook, Jason O’Brien said: “The people of Wujal Wujal have shown great support for their local police – and the development of this new station.
“Now with greater access to their local officers, I’m sure this support will continue.
“With a permanent police presence and strong community partnerships we can continue to build a safer community.”
Construction of the new police station commenced in July 2007 and was completed in April this year. The watchhouse was completed this month, and includes CCTV.
The new police station include two day rooms, an electronic interview room, training/major incident room, visiting CIB staff overnight accommodation, laundry, kitchen facilities, and two new modern houses to accommodate the new permanent police officers and their families.
Media Contact: Minister’s Office – 3239 6218