A sinkhole at Tuggeranong police station has been identified as the latest in a series of 26 'facility failures' recorded at ACT Policing sites since July 2020. The incident, which occurred on April 1, involved soil washing away under pavers, causing a minor collapse. Repairs were pending as of April 24.
According to a ministerial document, the failures include flooding, water ingress, sewage leaks, and other issues. The frequency has increased, with six incidents reported in the 2025-2026 financial year, following four in 2024-2025 and nine in 2023-2024.
City Police Station on London Circuit, built in 1964, recorded the highest number of incidents (14), including eight flooding events, three sewage leaks, and one water ingress. Flooding affected multiple areas, including the ground floor, first floor, basement gym, and various offices. Sewage leaks impacted the plant room, basement security control room, and the officer-in-charge's office.
The ACT Watch House, located under City Police Station, experienced two consecutive sewage overflows in November 2025, attributed to 'Canberra metro works' on London Circuit. The ACT Policing headquarters at Winchester Police Centre in Belconnen reported seven incidents, including repeated flooding in the intelligence team's work areas in 2022, 2024, 2025, and twice in 2026. A lightning strike in January 2022 also damaged security controllers on doors.
Other failures include water ingress at the ACT Road Policing Centre in Hume on April 30, 2025, affecting vehicle fit bays and caged storage areas. Police Minister Marisa Paterson provided these details after Liberal MLA Deborah Morris requested information. The response cost $1,421.06 and took 25 hours and 30 minutes to complete.
As of May 11, repairs were ongoing at Winchester Police Centre for water damage from March 7 and 26. Affected areas, including the Intelligence, Legalisation and Governance area, Carers room, and Crime office, remain non-operational. A police spokeswoman stated that remediation work continues and affected staff are working from alternate locations.
