Upgraded Police Station boosts police resources in Smithfield
Published Tuesday, 10 March, 2009 at 03:55 PM
Minister for Police, Corrective Services and Sport
The Honourable Judy Spence
Police Minister Judy Spence and Member for Barron River Steve Wettenhall today officially opened the refurbished $1.3 million Smithfield Police Station, marking a new era for policing in Far North Queensland.
Ms Spence said: “The Bligh Government has invested more than $1.3 million to upgrade this station, bolstering police services in Smithfield and surrounding areas.
“The project has transformed the Smithfield Police Station into a state-of-the-art facility to ensure police in the area are well resourced to protect the community.
“In 2006, the Queensland Government made an election commitment to upgrade the Smithfield Police Station, as part of our four year $260 million Queensland Police infrastructure plan. I’m pleased to see we have delivered on that promise.”
Mr Wettenhall welcomed completion of this million dollar project that will provide local officers with the modern facilities required for policing in the 21st century.
“The upgraded facilities will provide a huge boost for our local area – allowing police to better serve the needs of the Marlin Coast community,” Mr Wettenhall said.
“The refurbishment included installation of a new roof, conference room, modern holding cells, electronic interview rooms and new interior fittings to improve operational efficiency.
“I know police and the local community will welcome these excellent new facilities in our are and I can announce today that two new police positions have been approved for Smithfield. Recruitment for these positions has commenced this week.”
Ms Spence said the upgraded police station at Smithfield is just one of five major capital works projects in Far North Queensland due for completion in the next year.
“This upgraded station is an excellent example of the modern police facilities we are investing in right across Queensland to improve policing services and keep up with population growth.
“In the Far Northern Region, this includes a new station at Ravenshoe, replacement stations at Port Douglas and Mareeba, and extensions to Thursday Island Police Station.
“Queensland now accounts for almost 35% of all police capital expenditure in Australia – helping to keep Queensland strong by boosting infrastructure and creating much-needed jobs.
“Last year alone, we spent more than $163 million in police station capital expenditure – almost three times the national average,” Ms Spence said.
“The Bligh Government will continue to work with local communities to ensure we provide the facilities and services they need for Tomorrow’s Queensland.”
Media Contact: 3239 6203
Ms Spence said: “The Bligh Government has invested more than $1.3 million to upgrade this station, bolstering police services in Smithfield and surrounding areas.
“The project has transformed the Smithfield Police Station into a state-of-the-art facility to ensure police in the area are well resourced to protect the community.
“In 2006, the Queensland Government made an election commitment to upgrade the Smithfield Police Station, as part of our four year $260 million Queensland Police infrastructure plan. I’m pleased to see we have delivered on that promise.”
Mr Wettenhall welcomed completion of this million dollar project that will provide local officers with the modern facilities required for policing in the 21st century.
“The upgraded facilities will provide a huge boost for our local area – allowing police to better serve the needs of the Marlin Coast community,” Mr Wettenhall said.
“The refurbishment included installation of a new roof, conference room, modern holding cells, electronic interview rooms and new interior fittings to improve operational efficiency.
“I know police and the local community will welcome these excellent new facilities in our are and I can announce today that two new police positions have been approved for Smithfield. Recruitment for these positions has commenced this week.”
Ms Spence said the upgraded police station at Smithfield is just one of five major capital works projects in Far North Queensland due for completion in the next year.
“This upgraded station is an excellent example of the modern police facilities we are investing in right across Queensland to improve policing services and keep up with population growth.
“In the Far Northern Region, this includes a new station at Ravenshoe, replacement stations at Port Douglas and Mareeba, and extensions to Thursday Island Police Station.
“Queensland now accounts for almost 35% of all police capital expenditure in Australia – helping to keep Queensland strong by boosting infrastructure and creating much-needed jobs.
“Last year alone, we spent more than $163 million in police station capital expenditure – almost three times the national average,” Ms Spence said.
“The Bligh Government will continue to work with local communities to ensure we provide the facilities and services they need for Tomorrow’s Queensland.”
Media Contact: 3239 6203