GRANT District Council has joined a growing chorus of concern over the potential closure of the Kalangadoo Police Station.
Patrols from Penola and Millicent are currently servicing the Kalangadoo police area, replacing the sole Kalangadoo police officer who has been on prolonged leave.
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.
Councillor Shirley Little said the lack of a permanent police presence in Kalangadoo would be to the detriment of smaller communities in the area.
“I think we need to support Wattle Range Council on this issue and call for the reinstatement of a permanent police officer at Kalangadoo,” Cr Little said.
“I know traditionally the Kalangadoo officer is called out to incidents in Tarpeena and I would be concerned about response times if people in our community were waiting on an officer from Millicent or Penola.”
The Kalangadoo officer previously resided in a purpose-built police house and provided outreach services to the neighbouring townships of Nangwarry and Tarpeena.
It is understood the State Government will make an announcement about the future of the station after the South Australian election.
Council resolved to write to Police Minister Chris Picton, Shadow Minister for Police Stephan Knoll, Member for Mount Gambier Troy Bell and Member for MacKillop Mitch Williams requesting information regarding the future of law enforcement at Kalangadoo and surrounding districts.
A copy of the letter will be sent to Wattle Range Council.
