Brisbane Air Raid Precaution Central Control

Within 10 days of the outbreak of the Pacific War, Brisbane established an Air Raid Precautions (ARP) Central Control (Civil Defence) in the basement of the Roma Street Police Station. With reinforced concrete rooms, heavy, steel doors and an air filtration system, Central Control was designed to function even during heavy Japanese air raids. It was linked by telephone to Brisbane network of local police stations. In support, a Radio Control Room was established at the nearby Petrie Terrace Police Depot so communication could be maintained with mobile police units in their radio cars. The Central Control received and responded to all suspicious aircraft sittings reports as well as coordinating all Brisbane’s emergency services during bombing.