The Honourable Mark Ryan, Commissioner Ian Stewart and QPS officers at the new Howard Police Station and Fire and Emergency Services Complex
A new $8.6 million combined police and fire station was today officially opened in the Wide Bay-Burnett region, creating an emergency services hub and underscoring the Palaszczuk Government's commitment to keeping Queenslanders safe.
The centre was officially handed over to the community of Howard by Member for Maryborough Bruce Saunders, Police and Corrective Services Minister Mark Ryan, Fire and Emergency Services Minister Craig Crawford, Police Commissioner Ian Stewart and Fire and Emergency Services Commissioner Katarina Carroll.
Commissioner Stewart said the new police station was both a continuation of the history of service the QPS had offered the community since the early 1880s, and a positive step into the future as a world-class complex.
"I would like to take this opportunity to recognise the work our police officers do here in Howard to continually make this part of the state a safe and wonderful place to be."
Mr Ryan said the Howard Police Station and Fire and Emergency Services Complex would provide state-of-the-art services for the town's community.
"From a policing perspective, this complex will ensure QPS members continue to provide excellent policing services to this community," he said.
"I would like to thank all of those involved in this project, especially the QPS members of Howard, who work tirelessly to keep the community safe."
Mr Saunders was a strong advocate for the new facility and said it demonstrated the Palaszczuk Government's commitment to regional Queensland and supported almost 30 jobs during its construction phase.
"Facilities such as this are concrete examples of our Government's determination to deliver front line services to Queenslanders in every corner of the state," Mr Saunders said.
"I argued strongly for the new Howard Police Station and Fire and Emergency Services Complex and it's great to see it in operation."
Mr Crawford said the complex, which houses the Rural Fire Services and the State Emergency Service along with the Queensland Police Service, would boost the capacity of emergency services personnel to help residents during times of need.
"This area is no stranger to disasters and emergencies, such as the major flood that hit this community in 2013," he said.
"Having these crucial services together means there is greater capacity to respond to emergency situations as they arise."
