What’s happening?
Kirwan’s new police facility has officially opened at the former headquarters of the North Queensland Cowboys on Golf Links Drive.
The site has been transformed into a central hub for the Townsville District, bringing frontline and specialist officers together under one roof.
The facility now operates as the official Kirwan Police Station. It also houses specialist units including the Townsville Tactical Crime Squad, Kirwan Criminal Investigation Branch and Policelink.
Deputy Commissioner, Regional Operations, John Tims, said the upgrade ensures resources match community needs.
“The brand-new facility will functionally align proactive and reactive units to coordinate and place QPS resources where they are most needed and can be most effective,” Deputy Commissioner Tims said.
Assistant Commissioner Virginia Nelson said the opening marks an important milestone for the district.
“We want the community to know we are here to support them,” Assistant Commissioner Nelson said.
Senior Sergeant Matt Lyons, Officer in Charge of Kirwan Station, said staff have welcomed the move.
“Our staff have embraced the improved workspace and the benefits that come from being co-located with other policing units,” Senior Sergeant Lyons said.
“This modern facility strengthens collaboration, enhances our operational capability, and ultimately allows us to deliver a more effective service to the community.”
“We remain steadfast in our commitment to keeping our community safe, protecting the vulnerable, preventing crime, and holding offenders to account.”
Why it matters?
Townsville’s population continues to grow, and policing demands are changing.
Bringing specialist and general duties officers together improves coordination and supports faster decision making.
The new facility also creates more opportunities for officers to build stronger links with residents, visitors and local businesses in Kirwan.
Local impact
For Kirwan residents, this means a more visible and coordinated policing presence.
The central location supports closer engagement with the community while strengthening investigative and tactical capabilities across the Townsville District.
The facility is expected to play a key role in responding to local crime trends and supporting vulnerable members of the community.
By the numbers
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The facility officially opened on 24 February 2026, marking a significant milestone for the Townsville District.
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Stage 1 of the complex has now been completed, delivering the new Kirwan Police Station and multiple specialist units in one location.
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Stage 2 is scheduled to open in the 2029 to 2030 financial year, adding the Police Academy Northern Campus, the Dog Squad and other specialised units.
Zoom in
The co-location model is central to the facility’s purpose.
Proactive and reactive units can now work side by side, improving collaboration and operational efficiency.
Officers are able to share intelligence more easily and respond in a more coordinated way.
Zoom out
The project reflects a broader effort by the Queensland Police Service to modernise facilities across the state.
As communities expand, infrastructure is being updated to ensure policing remains responsive and effective.
The planned expansion in Stage 2 signals a long-term investment in training and specialist capabilities in North Queensland.
What to look for next?
Attention will now turn to planning and delivery of Stage 2.
The addition of the Police Academy Northern Campus and Dog Squad will further strengthen the district’s capacity in the coming years.
