Hidding promises police station

NEW NORFOLK will get a new $5 million police station and around-the-clock police presence under a State Government election promise.

Police, Fire, and Emergency Management Minister Rene Hidding will today announce that the Liberal Party will fund the new services if it wins a majority in the state election, which will likely be held in March.

“The current station was built in 1958 and does not have the space or required facilities to transition to a station with a police presence to adequately meet the community’s needs,” Mr Hidding said.

“A re-elected majority Hodgman Liberal Government will rectify this by investing $5 million on the new station, ensuring it has the capacity, space and security requirements to respond to the community’s needs around-the-clock, seven days a week.”

Youth crime has been a hot topic in the Derwent Valley in recent months.

In October, police said they were aware of a rise in youth crime.

Labor candidates for Lyons Darren Clark and Jen Butler, about the same time, created separate petitions calling for 24-hour policing.

Mr Clark said at the time that something had to be done to make residents felt safer.

Derwent Valley Mayor Martyn Evans has also called for a 24-hour rostered police presence at New Norfolk.

Sergeant in charge of New Norfolk Chris Hey last month said a targeted approach to policing was paying dividends.

Mr Hidding says a permanent police force at New Norfolk is vital.

“Residents of the New Norfolk area have already noticed an increased police presence in recent months which is paying dividends,” he said.