Northern Territory government to build new Maningrida police complex

One of the Northern Territory’s largest Aboriginal communities will get a new state-of-the-art police complex. Read the details.

The Northern Territory Government has awarded a tender to build the new Maningrida Police Complex. Picture: NT Government

A new police station will be built in the remote community of Maningrida as part of the Northern Territory government’s record $1.5 billion law and order budget.

The Maningrida police complex will include station facilities for up to 14 officers, a multipurpose area and courthouse, five holding cells, eight-member visiting officer quarters, a vehicle compound, boat shed and fuel storage, dog kennels, and housing options for officers.

Maningrida, home to about 2500 residents, is one of the Northern Territory’s largest Aboriginal communities.

For the last two years, private security guards have helped protect businesses and homes in the Western Arnhem Land community as part of a joint partnership between the town, police and government.

NT Chief Minister Lia Finocchiaro and acting NT Police Commissioner Martin Dole. Picture: Gera Kazakov

However, the deal expired in June after it was pulled by the NT government and NT Police.

The decision to withdraw funding drew the ire from many, including Maningrida Progress Association chief executive Ian McLay, who said the security guards and dogs drastically reduced crime, and warned that removing them could see crime worsen.

The new station - which the NT government says was chosen for its accessibility, operational capability and room for expansion - is jointly funded by the federal and Territory governments.

It will be delivered by the NT government.

Mrs Finocchiaro said the project was “significant”. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

Chief Minister Lia Finocchiaro said in a statement the new station was a “significant” project for Maningrida and the “safety of the region”.

“We have the best police in the country, and my government backs them,” she said.

“Investing in remote police stations ensures officers are supported and equipped to serve.”

Mrs Finocchiaro said the project is part of CLP Government’s record $1.5 billion law and order budget across police, corrections and courts, with $270.9 million going into important infrastructure upgrades.

Major projects underway include $143.5 million to upgrade remote police infrastructure and housing, $69.6 million for the Corrections Infrastructure Masterplan, and $6.6 million to improve the Joint Emergency Services Communication Centre.

“These investments ensure our police have the facilities they need to do their jobs safely and effectively right across the Territory,” she said.

Originally published as Northern Territory government to build new Maningrida police complex