Policing pledge for our tourist hot spots
goes wrong in the water.”
Labor candidate for South Barwon Darren Cheeseman said the investment would go a long way to improving safety at beaches, particularly on the Surf Coast.
“Surfers are in the water dawn to dusk, 365 days a year and are often the first responders to emergencies at our beaches, so skilling them up in CPR and first aid just makes sense,” he said.
Meanwhile, Labor has also pledged to build a new centre in Geelong to help parents with their newborns.
The city has been chosen to host one of seven new early parenting centres the THE Liberal Party has promised to boost policing numbers in holiday hot spots, including along the Surf Coast.
As part of a new policy to be unveiled today, the state Opposition has pledged to ensure new minimum service levels are met in tourist locations ranging from Torquay and Lorne to Echuca and Mount Buller.
Opposition spokesman on police Edward O’Donohue said the announcement was in response to regular anti- social behaviour in small towns during their holiday seasons.
It comes after a group of up to 100 youths clashed with police in Torquay in January.
The announcement also follows a Coalition promise to make Torquay police station open 24 hours a day, and to build a new station in Leopold.
South Barwon state Liberal MP Andrew Katos said current policing resources in holiday hot spots were inadequate.
“Violent crime and youth gangs are out of control under Daniel Andrews and communities like Torquay are paying the price,” Mr Katos said.