Calls rise for police station

The call for a police station between Rockingham and Mandurah remains loud and clear from Singleton Residents Association members.

Despite Rockingham Mayor Barry Sammels meeting Police Minister Liza Harvey last month and asking for police station, Mr Preston said more needed to be done.

“Two years ago, the Singleton Residents Association organised a meeting with the police minister,” he said.

“All I said to her was I live in a nice suburb and I want it to remain so — she empathised, she sympathised, she understood frustrations... she said she would do her utmost to solve the problem.

“Since that meeting — nothing.”

Mr Preston said the association called the meeting in the hope Mrs Harvey would improve police presence to help reduce out-of-control parties, graffiti, off-road motorbikes and “general hooliganism”.

Warnbro MLA Paul Papalia said it was time the council sent a strong message to the State Government there was not enough police presence in the southern and eastern parts of Rockingham.

“It is not good enough for the police minister to come and smile nicely and empathise any more, she actually has to do something — and in this Budget, I can tell you, there is nothing for additional policing in this area,” he said.

Mr Sammels said he supported a police station in Secret Harbour and requested one on behalf of the community.

“I do not intend to enter into a prolonged exchange in the media with the Minister, or her detractors, regarding her position on the most appropriate way to meet the policing needs of the community,” he said.

“The City of Rockingham is much better served by working closely with police on crime reduction matters.”

Mrs Harvey reinforced there were no plans to build a police station between Rockingham and Mandurah.