Police resourcing at Lakes Entrance over the Christmas holiday period has yet again been raised in State Parliament by Gippsland East Nationals MP, Tim Bull, due to the Government’s complete silence on the issue he has raised on a number of occasions.
“I raised the matter again as I was advised in January this year the understaffing at this time of year would be ‘reviewed’, but here we are 10 months later and the community has heard nothing,” Mr Bull said.
Speaking in Parliament, Mr Bull said: “As the Minister is aware, the population of Lakes Entrance swells over January with 50,000-plus visitors over this four-week period on top of the regular population of 6,500. The regular police roster of 17 cannot cope.”
Mr Bull said his previous enquires on this issue resulted in a meeting in Lakes Entrance with Victoria Police Chief Commissioner, Graham Ashton, in January, where he committed to “review the situation”.
“Additional police used to be provided for the entire January holiday period, but this has not occurred the past two years, with additional police only provided around the New Year’s Eve period, but not staying on for all of January as is required.
“The past two years it has resulted in the station being closed for periods on most days over the holiday period, which is simply not good enough for one of the state’s peak holiday destinations and having so many people in the town.
“Given the Minister has in the past stated police deployment is a matter for the Chief Commissioner, I again ask that she involves herself in ensuring this issue is addressed.”
Caption: Gippsland East Nationals MP, Tim Bull, pictured with Senior Sergeant Phil Bogle and Chief Commissioner Graham Ashton following a meeting in Lakes Entrance, has again asked for increased police resources in the town over the upcoming holiday period.
Wednesday, October 25, 2017
