The Tennant Creek Watch House will undergo a $11.5 million redevelopment as part of the Territory Labor Government’s investment to improve police resources in Budget 2023.

The Territory Government committed $3.4 million to redevelop the Watch House in 2019 as part of the Barkly Regional Deal, however it was subsequently deemed that a full replacement of the facility was required.

As part of Budget 2023, another $8.1 million in additional funding has been committed to expand the scope of the project.

The works will include the construction of a new larger watch house with contemporary facilities.

It will include suitable amenities for families and legal staff to visit prisoners and enhance staff and prisoner safety while providing a safer environment for children.

The facility will be built on vacant land within the same lot and funding includes demolition of the current facility once construction is complete.

Police Minister Kate Worden (pictured) said the NT Police Force comprise the best police in the country.

“Budget 2023 backs our frontline officers by providing more resources and better facilities to undertake their demanding jobs,” she said.

“Police have been asking for this important project and we are delivering on that.

“Our frontline officers deserve the best infrastructure possible, especially in regional areas and this is just one of our Budget 2023 announcements delivering just that.” 

This article appeared in Tennant & District Times, 21 April 2023.