Clermont Police Station damaged after car drives into front entrance

A regional MP has blasted the alleged actions of a man accused of ramming a vehicle into a newly built police station and then causing a fire inside the facility.

The Clermont Police Station.

A regional MP has blasted the alleged actions of a Central Queensland man who is accused of deliberately ramming a vehicle through the front entrance of a newly built police station and then causing a fire inside the building.

The multimillion dollar Clermont police station, which officially opened barely a month earlier in March 2025, has been extensively damaged following the incident early April 17.

Police have since arrested and charged a Clermont man, who will appear in Emerald Magistrates Court on Saturday.

It is understood the man was known to police before this alleged incident.

Police allege the 41-year-old went to the Mimosa St station about 3.45am and drove a vehicle into a security gate at the front of the station, also striking a station police car in the process.

It is further alleged he then caused a fire within the station’s kitchen, resulting in fire crews being called.

The fire was quickly doused and it is alleged it caused damage to the interior of the station.

No one was injured in the crash nor was any access or entry to police equipment gained.

Moranbah Criminal Investigation Branch detectives have charged the man with three counts of wilful damage of police property and one count each of enter premises with intent to commit indictable offence, and endangering particular property by fire.

Investigations continue.

Burdekin MP Dale Last labelled the damaged to the Clermont police station as unacceptable.

Burdekin Member Dale Last labelled the alleged attack as “simply unacceptable”.

“This attack in no way represents the relationship that the people of Clermont have with their local police officers,” Mr Last said.

“I know that many locals will be disappointed that, just a few weeks after its official opening, the facility has been extensively damaged.

“I know that the community will rally behind the officers and support them as the incident is investigated and repairs undertaken.”

Police Minster Dan Purdie said while “there is extensive damage” the most important thing was no officers were injured.

“It is only a few short weeks since I met with local Police Officers to open the new Clermont Police Station,” Mr Purdie said.

“When we opened the facility, locals told us that it was what the officers and staff deserved based on their connection and service to the community.

“We will return the facility to fully operational capacity because that is what the staff and community deserve and to send a clear message that we will not tolerate attacks on our police.”

Originally published as Clermont Police Station damaged after car drives into front entrance