PLEAS for a new police station in Moama have finally been answered after more than a decade.
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Member for Murray Helen Dalton said sustained community and media pressure had forced the NSW Government’s decision to finally commit to building a new police station in Moama.
Following intense questioning at NSW Parliament Budget Estimates this week, NSW Police Minister David Elliot announced a new police station will be built next year, with funding now allocated.
On Wednesday, a written response from Mr Elliot was published stating, “the business case for Moama Police Station has been prioritised and approved for funding. It recommends a new police station in Moama, not a refurbishment".
Mrs Dalton said the existing Moama Police Station was a disgrace.
“There's no women’s toilets, no CCTV camera, no holding cell, no changing room, no storage facilities, no secure windows and a broken alarm system," she said.
“For the past 13 years, police officers have been crying out for a new building. But the previous MPs ignored their pleas.
“I really believe the NSW Government have been shamed into action. I posted photos of cracked walls and run down facilities on social media. It meant they can no longer hide this issue.
“The police keep us safe. So we need to ensure they work in safe conditions.
“In Budget Estimates, Minister Elliot said building of a new facility will commence next year – I’ll be keeping the pressure on until it’s built."
Mrs Dalton said the Committee for Echuca Moama and the Riverine Herald also deserved credit for the decision.
“To get anything done rural NSW, you need all the community groups and media to cry out for action," she said.
"Ongoing coverage by the Riverine Herald and sustained pressure from Nina O’Brien and her group really put the heat on the government."
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