WATTLE Range Mayor Peter Gandolfi has urged Police Minister Corey Wingard to honour his government’s pre-election pledge and direct the state’s police service to reopen the Kalangadoo station “as soon as is practical”.
In a letter to council, Mr Wingard said the Kalangadoo Police Station would remain closed, citing the statewide review of regional policing service delivery.
Mr Gandolfi outlined the Liberal Party’s pre-election commitment of the retention of the Kalangadoo station made by then shadow police Minister Stephan Knoll.
Earlier this year, Mr Knoll said the party had “absolutely no plans to close any police station”, adding they were hopeful of increased police resources in the South East.
Mr Gandolfi said while Mr Wingard’s response was consistent with South Australia Police and the previous State Government’s position, he urged the minister to restore the permanent police presence in the town.
“Given the pre-election commitment, may I suggest that SAPOL be issued a ministerial direction to undertake appropriate steps to reopen the Kalangadoo station, which has been closed for more than a year,” Mr Gandolfi said.
“The ministerial direction would be seen favourably by the Kalangadoo community and surrounding district as the government would by honouring a pre-election commitment.”
Historically, the Kalangadoo police officer has resided in a purpose-built police house and provided outreach services to the neighbouring Nangwarry and Tarpeena.
Patrols from Penola and Millicent are currently servicing the Kalangadoo police area, replacing the sole Kalanagdoo police officer who has been on prolonged leave.
Member for MacKillop Nick McBride pledged to question any recommendation to permanently close the single-man station following the release of the statewide review.
“If the suggestion has been made to save money or centralise services in Mount Gambier rather than meeting the needs of the local community, I will be strongly recommending to the minister to go against the review,” he said.
“Having local police stations open in smaller communities like Kalangadoo maintains high integrity within the townships.
“Local police are well informed and are able to solve the sort of law breaking activities that may happen within their communities.”
