WATTLE Range Mayor Peter Gandolfi has called on the State Government to commit to the future of the Kalangadoo Police Station following concerns about its potential closure.
Mr Gandolfi said a number of Kalangadoo residents had raised concerns about the provision of services in the township following months without a permanent police presence.
Patrols from Penola and Millicent are currently servicing the Kalangadoo police area, replacing the sole Kalanagdoo police officer who has been on prolonged leave.
“Kalangadoo residents are worried it will further disadvantage the town,” he said.
“They are worried what it will mean for the overall community by not having a police presence permanently in the town.
“The distance between Millicent and Penola from Kalangadoo will reduce response times to any incidents that may occur within the township and surrounding districts.
“We do not want to see a reduction of police in our regional areas.”
Historically, the Kalangadoo officer has resided in a purpose-built police house and provided outreach services to the neighbouring townships of Nangwarry and Tarpeena.
Sources have indicated the police officer will not return to work in Kalangadoo, with speculation around the State Government’s intention to permanently close the station in the future.
It is understood the State Government will make the announcement after the South Australian election.
Limestone Coast Police officer in charge Superintendent Grant Moyle said while an ongoing review was currently being undertaken, there were no plans to close the Kalangadoo Police Station.
Supt Moyle said a statewide review of all services would be considered by the review team.
“All patrols across the state are tasked centrally from Adelaide,” he said.
“Deployment of policing resources to deliver the best service for the South Australian community is a matter for the police commissioner.”
Supt Moyle said the Kalangadoo policing area was being “adequately serviced” by Millicent and Penola patrols.
“While the police station has not been open I do not consider there has been any gap in service delivery,” he said.
Mr Gandolfi said the ongoing review provided no guarantee the station would remain open and urged the State Government and Opposition to reinstate a permanent police officer at Kalangadoo.
“They’re saying there are no plans to close it, but then they’re saying there is an ongoing review into service delivery at Kalangadoo,” he said.
“This review does not guarantee that it will remain open because there has not been an officer based in Kalangadoo in many months.
“What the community wants is a rock-solid commitment from the minister the Kalangadoo Police Station will not be closed.
“You can be confident the State Government are not considering the closure of any police stations in Adelaide.”
While the State Government labelled the operational issue as SAPOL’s responsibility, Shadow Police Minister Stephan Knoll committed to retaining the single officer Kalangadoo station.
“We have absolutely no plans to close any police station,” he said.
“The Liberal Party has committed to extending the hours of police stations.
“There has been no increase in country police full-time employees in years.
“In the outcome of the review, our desire would be to see more resources in country policing, especially in the South East and wider areas.
“We need increased attention in country areas to battle illicit drug use which we know in the South East is real.
“Increased police resources is necessary to deal with drugs and other crime related to drug use.”
