Carolyn Male MP and Minister Judy Spence at the Opening of the Pine Rivers Watchhouse

Police Minister Judy Spence and Police Commissioner Bob Atkinson officially opened the new $8 million Pine Rivers Watchhouse this month.

The Watchhouse is a milestone for policing in the District - allowing police to better serve the needs of Pine Rivers’ growing population and is the result of a 2006 election commitment by the Queensland Government.

Police Commissioner Atkinson said the new watchhouse would aid police in serving the Pine Rivers area.

“The Pine Rivers District is a part of the South East that has experienced unprecedented urban growth in recent years. Given this growth, the completion of Pine Rivers watchhouse, in conjunction with the new Pine Rivers Court House, is timely,” he said.

“The 17 cell Pine Rivers watchhouse boasts a state of the art security management system to heighten the safety and security of police, staff, prisoners and the public.”

“This new Pine Rivers watchhouse will give police officers the resources and infrastructure to continue to exercise their duties at an optimal level and will cater for the forecast growth in offender numbers and the consquential demands on police and court staff,” Commissioner Atkinson said.

Ms Spence said the Bligh Government is currently undertaking an extensive capital works program across the state, ensuring police have the resources to respond to growing communities.

“We will continue to work with local communities to ensure we provide the facilities and services they need as we move Toward Q2 - Tomorrow’s Queensland,” Ms Spence said.