SAPOL Mounted Units moves into new home

“The project required a builder who was experienced in complex and unique projects to build this critical piece of police infrastructure,” BESIX Watpac General Manager for Victoria and South Australia, Al Crosby said.

“We’ve delivered this first stage on time and now move onto Stage 2 which entails completion of the Dog Operation Unit at Gepps Cross and City Staging.”

Collaborating with a diverse group of stakeholders, including the Department of Infrastructure and Transport and the South Australia Police, BESIX Watpac ensured the facility was built to meet the specific design requirements of a highly specialised and fit-for-purpose facility.

Commissioner of Police Grant Stevens emphasised that the welfare of the 32 police horses was central to all decisions throughout design and delivery.

“Our highly trained police horses assist in crime reduction, deterrence and are a key part of our policing response to protest activity,” Commissioner Stevens said. “The large undercover arena will give our Mounted Operations Unit the space to train for these incidents year-round.”

The stables feature cross tie areas, offices, storage for uniforms and equipment, a veterinary station, wash facilities, round yards, parking, and historical elements from the Thebarton Barracks stables. The design of these facilities aims to enhance operational flow and efficiency, making the work of the Mounted Operations Officers more streamlined by having equipment and storage conveniently located nearby.

The team behind the project prioritised working with local businesses and engaged more than 40 local subcontractors.

BESIX Watpac South Australia Manager, Craig Bentley, underscored the critical need for workforce upskilling to ensure the long-term sustainability of the construction industry in Australia.

“At BESIX Watpac we always look for opportunities to upskill the workforce to ensure the long-term future of our industry and proactively seek opportunities that enable this. Through this project, we’ve engaged more than 1000 tradespeople, investing in the local workforce’s ability to gain experience on a unique government project.”

The site has environmentally friendly additions, with 350,000 litres of rainwater storage, 200kw of solar panels and has been revegetated with endemic species of around 14,000 plants. Gepps Cross will also house the Dog Operations Unit and staff offices, who will move in early next year. 

Mounted Operations has been a part of South Australia Police history since it was formed in 1838 with a small contingent of mounted troopers. The police greys have been an integral part of SA Police since World War 1 and is the only Australian police service that specifically uses greys.