Work kicks off on $45m phase one of Kirwan Police Complex

Construction crews have officially broken ground on the first stage of the new Kirwan Police Complex, set to be completed by mid-next year. Here’s the latest.

Police Minister Mark Ryan, Kirwan Police Station Officer-in-charge Senior Sergeant Matt Lyons and Member for Thuringowa Aaton Harper at the site for the new station. Picture: Evan Morgan

Construction crews have officially broken ground on the first stage of the new Kirwan Police Complex, set to be completed by mid-next year.

Despite the pouring rain, Police Minister Mark Ryan remained resolute during Thursday’s sod-turning ceremony at the site of the new Kirwan Police Facility and Townsville Police Academy.

With the former 1300 Smiles stadium now completely gone, work of on the first stage of the project is underway and expected to be completed by mid-2025

This includes building the new Kirwan general duties station, a PoliceLink centre, and space for specialist units.

New concept designs for the new Townsville Police Academy, co-located with new Kirwan police station and new Townsville PoliceLink. Picture: Supplied

Minister Ryan addressed questions about the increased cost of the first stage, now at $45 million — $15 million more than initially estimated.

He attributed the rise to bringing forward some project components and the changes in prices from 2020 to 2024.

“This is one of the biggest investments in police infrastructure ever,” he said.

Additionally, the state government has secured $100 million in the budget for stage two, which includes the construction of the new Townsville Police Academy.

“I’m hopeful that we’ll be able to go to tender for stage two in the next financial year, which will mean that this project will really power ahead,” Minister Ryan said.

Kirwan Police Station Officer-in-charge Senior Sergeant Matt Lyons at the site for the new station. Picture: Evan Morgan

Kirwan Station’s Officer in Charge Matt Lyons expressed his team’s excitement about moving to the new facility next year.

“The building that we’re currently in was fit for purpose back in 1980, but in 2024, it’s a bit small,” he said.

Lyons emphasised that being co-located with other special units — including the Domestic and Family Violence Vulnerable Persons Unit, High-Risk Team, Youth Co-responder Team, Tactical Crime Squad, Rapid Action Patrol, and Stronger Communities Action Group — would enhance their ability to respond to community safety issues and foster better relationships within the units.

Originally published as Work kicks off on $45m phase one of Kirwan Police Complex