- The Crisafulli Government has unveiled state-of-the-art upgrades to Warwick Police Station, future-proofing the heritage-listed building for police.
- Extensive renovations include a new scenes of crime lab, conference room for major incidents and a wellness area.
- The Crisafulli Government is making Queensland safer and delivering a fresh start.
One of Queensland's oldest police stations, the historic Warwick Police Station has today been officially reopened following a restoration, with new state-of-the-art facilities designed to strengthen local policing operations and frontline services.
Originally built in 1900, Warwick Police Station has been meticulously restored to its former heritage glory, while also incorporating a modern two-storey extension.
The additional features include office space, a conference room for major incidents and disaster management, a new laboratory and a forensic vehicle examination bay.
Also included in the site's $21 million upgrades were modifications of the watchhouse and a new wellness area.
The Crisafulli Government is restoring safety where you live after delivering an extra 453 police officers in the first 12 months, more than two and a half times the 174 officers Labor managed during its last four years.
Minister for Police and Emergency Services Dan Purdie said the upgraded Warwick Police Station would service the Darling Downs district for decades to come.
"Warwick Police Station has serviced the Darling Downs district for more than 100 years and I'm pleased to be here today to announce that one of Queensland's oldest police stations has been futureproofed for generations of frontline police," Minister Purdie said.
"These critical upgrades give our frontline police the resources they need to restore safety where you live."
Member for Southern Downs James Lister said the upgraded Warwick Police Station would support frontline police in his electorate.
"Our police face danger and distress every day so it is important they have the resources they need to address the crime crisis we inherited after a decade of decline under Labor."
Queensland Police Deputy Commissioner Mark Kelly said the renovations would boost regional policing capabilities for the area's 60 policing personnel, including 32 general duty officers and several specialist units.
"The challenges faced in regional policing are complex and ever evolving," Deputy Commissioner Kelly said.
"By investing in modern and state-of-the-art facilities and providing our officers with the tools and resourcing they need, we are in turn investing in the region's future and the community's security and safety.
"The opening of the new upgraded police station has highlighted the QPS's focus on providing cutting-edge and well-resourced infrastructure to allow our officers to meet the unique needs and demands of regional communities."
Warwick Patrol Inspector Kelly Hanlen commended the extension and restoration of the sandstone building, highlighting the thoughtful internal refurbishments that ensure the iconic structure remains fit for purpose while supporting intensive policing operations.
"Police perform an essential job in keeping our local community safe, and a well-resourced and functional police station is vital to address our region's evolving needs as well as to boost public confidence in our policing efforts,'' Inspector Hanlen said.
As part of the station's reopening ceremony, 12 officers were presented with medals in recognition of their dedication, courage, and significant years of service.
Among the medals presented was the Queensland Police Bravery Medal, awarded to Senior Constable Jeremy Lambert for displaying exceptional bravery, tactical awareness, calmness, and leadership during an armed siege at Freestone in 2016.
