Tenders will be called for the construction of a major Community Safety and Security facility on Saibai Island in the Torres Strait.
This new $14m complex will provide an operational base for various State and Federal Government agencies undertaking vital work keeping communities safe.
Police Minister Mark Ryan said the new centre would help support security efforts in Australia’s north.
“This is a significant step forward for our state’s far north and indeed the nation as a whole.
“The Queensland Government will manage the construction of the project through the Department of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships.
“The Queensland Police Service through the Public Safety Business Agency will manage ongoing operational and maintenance costs.
“This new law enforcement hub on Saibai Island will provide further support to policing outcomes in the northern islands of Australia,” the Minister said.
Ministerial Champion for the Torres Strait Shannon Fentiman welcomed the
investment for the new safety facility on Saibai Island.
“This will be a fantastic news and will be welcomed by community leaders who have
been calling for this facility for over a decade,” Ms Fentiman said.
“This addition will increase safety not only for our Torres Strait community, but the rest
of Queensland and Australia.”
“The project will provide a much needed boost for the region and ensure there are
more jobs for locals during the construction.”
The Member for Cook Cynthia Lui said the facility would increase add to the security
of the state’s northern region.
“Every investment in keeping the community safe is to be applauded, especially in
North Queensland with its vast coastline,” Ms Lui said.
The Saibai Island CSSF will be permanently occupied by QPS Torres Strait
Island officers and the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries.
The facility consists of two main buildings including one for accommodation.
The other building will house offices, interview rooms, holding cells, major incident
rooms and other facilities.
As well the complex will include generators, rainwaters tanks and sheds to house
departmental boats, marine craft and vehicles.
Construction is being funded by the Federal Government and is due for completion by
March 2020.
