April 13, 2023
Small upgrades are on the way for Blackbutt Police Station, but not the new station that had been hoped for.
In an answer to a Question on Notice from Member for Nanango Deb Frecklington, Police Minister Mark Ryan said he had been advised by the Queensland Police Service that it was already preparing for a number of improvements at the station.
This includes signage, lighting and upgrades to radio communications technology.
“Security screening and fencing works to improve the Officer-in-Charge house have also been authorised,” Minister Ryan said.
“I am also advised by the QPS that the QPS will also consider any further upgrade requirements as part of the QPS forward capital works program.”
Mrs Frecklington had asked the Minister whether there were any plans to build a new police station at Blackbutt, as she believed working conditions in the current building were unsafe.
She has described the building as “decrepit, tiny and no longer fit-for-purpose”.
“Each year, the government provides significant funding to the Queensland Police Service, and it’s then up to the QPS to allocate funding to initiatives which they consider to be a priority based on operational needs and requirements,” Minister Ryan replied.
“Nonetheless, I have forwarded the query about the Blackbutt Police Station to the QPS for consideration and have asked the QPS to look into this matter.”
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Member for Nanango Deb Frecklington says she won’t be giving up on the fight for a new police station in Blackbutt.
Mrs Frecklington said she was disappointed with the response she had received.
“My question was clearly about the need for a brand new building for our Blackbutt Police Officers who are currently working in very difficult conditions,” she said.
“While I welcome the confirmation of some small upgrades, these are not going to fix the problem.
“As I’ve previously noted, the current building is no longer fit-for-purpose or safe with police pfficers often having to share their workspace with the same people they may have just detained.
“The building is just too small and has severe limitations for the four officers who are now permanently stationed at Blackbutt.
“I’ll be keeping the pressure on the Police Minister and highlighting the need for a brand new Police Station for Blackbutt.”
- Related article: MP Pushes For New Police Station
[UPDATED April 18, 2023]
