Police patrols stepped up at Brisbane’s most haunted site due to spike in trespassing and safety fears

THE former Woogaroo Lunatic Asylum is known as one of the state’s most haunted spots. The site now houses Queensland’s largest mental health facility, but that’s not stopping thrill seekers from breaking-in.

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Police say hundreds of people are risking serious injury and jail time by trespassing at one of Brisbane’s most haunted spots, Wolston Park Hospital Complex.

More than 80 groups of unauthorised people have been caught trespassing on the Wacol site in the last six months.

The 450 hectare site on the banks of the Brisbane River houses a number of public health institutions including Queensland’s largest mental health facility, The Park Centre for Mental Health.

Mount Ommaney officer in charge Senior Sergeant Mark Thompson said eight people were caught trespassing last weekend inside the old women’s institution.

The dilapidated building is often referred to as the “haunted house”.

“Due to its state of disrepair this building is extremely dangerous and presents extreme risks for people entering the confines,” Sen Sgt Thompson said.

“All eight were charged with trespass and they will face court in August.”

He said police patrols had been stepped up to curb offenders.

“Trespassing on the grounds of a facility like The Park Centre for Mental Health is a serious offence which can potentially result in a penalty one year imprisonment,” he said.

Sen Sgt Thompson said the operational mental health facilities added additional safety concerns.

“The grounds still house mental health patients and includes a secure unit,’ he said.

“Anyone caught on site unauthorised will be charged and put before the court.”