SHADOW Police Minister Lee Odenwalder and Labor MLC Clare Scriven will host a community meeting in Kalangadoo tomorrow night to hear the community’s views on the staffing crisis at the single-officer station.
Mr Odenwalder said he wanted to hear local residents’ and business owners’ questions and concerns around law and order issues during the South East tour, which will also include visits to Millicent and Mount Gambier.
Although the State Liberals pledged to reinstate the police officer at the purpose-built station, Police Minister Corey Wingard has refused to commit the promise until a statewide review into country policing is complete.
Patrols from Penola and Millicent are currently servicing the Kalangadoo police area in addition to the neighbouring Nangwarry and Tarpeena township following months without a permanent police presence.
A number of residents have raised concerns with the situation, prompting Wattle Range Mayoral candidate Des Noll to launch a petition calling on the State Government to restaff the station.
Mr Odenwalder said the growing community concern demonstrated the Marshall Government were not listening to local South East voices on law and order.
“Before the election the Liberals promised no country police stations would close,” he said.
“Now Police Minister Corey Wingard says that police stations are operational matters and it’s up to the Police Commissioner.
“In this year’s State Budget, the Liberals found extra resources to meet their election promise to extend opening times at three city police stations.
“Yet nothing for Kalangadoo.
“If it’s good enough for the city, why not the country?”
Mr Odenwalder encouraged all community members to have their say at the meeting, which will be held outside the Kalangadoo Post Office on October 30 from 3pm.
“I want to talk to as many local people as I can, to get a clear picture of the public safety needs of the residents of the South East,” he said.
“I am not going to the South East to make empty promises, like the Liberals.
“I will be there to listen.”
Labor MLC Clare Scriven said she was keen to continue discussions with the Kalangadoo community, namely on law and order and the current situation with Kalangadoo’s police station.
“I’m delighted the Shadow Minister for Police can be here to hear first hand about the issues that local people care about,” she said.
“As a resident of the Limestone Coast, I am keen to make sure that regional voices are heard.”
