Inside Werribee’s new $45 million ‘future proof’ police station

Victoria’s newest police complex is expected to “transform” policing in Melbourne’s west after the complex was officially opened to rapturous applause.

Victoria’s newest police station was officially opened to rapturous applause on Tuesday after more than eight months in delays due to Covid.

Members of the public, local community leaders, representatives from emergency services and politicians gathered outside the new $45 million facility on Princes Hwy in Werribee for the official unveiling.

The four-storey complex has been in operation since July 2021 and currently houses about 170 staff ranging from general duties officers to specialist officers.

Police Minister Lisa Neville said the “transformational” complex would house up to 500 staff at full capacity and was designed to meet the needs of Melbourne’s growing west.

“It is one of our busiest areas … in fact I was told by an officer we process more crooks here than nearly everywhere else,” she said.

“We’re ensuring local police are more accessible for people and delivering the modern facilities they need to keep the community safe.”

The 24-hour station will service communities in Williams Landing, Truganina, Tarneit, Wyndham Vale, Manor Lakes, Werribee, Werribee South, Little River, Hoppers Crossing, Point Cook and Laverton North.

North West Metro division assistant commissioner Brett Curran said the new Werribee Police Complex had replaced the previous station which was built in 1988 to serve 40,000 people.

“That served the area until this station was built, I think the interesting thing to note about that was the growth of Werribee was so rapid that the station was too small within five or six years,” he said.

Member for Werribee Tim Pallas described the new complex as “future proofing” the ability for police to operate effectively within Wyndham.

“This is a testament to the continued value we as a community recognise in our police,” he said.

The new complex will be joined by a $272 million justice precinct slated to be built on adjourning land which will deliver 13 new courtrooms and a dedicated family violence court.