“$4.5 million for a new Police Station! This is a huge win for Moama and the local region. The NSW Government have finally listened to the concerns of the local community. We want to see shovels in the dirt by Christmas” stated Nina O’Brien CEO of the Committee for Echuca Moama (C4EM).
A spokesperson from the NSW Government has now confirmed in writing “The New South Wales Government is committed to providing our dedicated Police Force with the best resources possible to help protect our community. A total of $4.5m has been allocated for the new Moama Police Station with planning for the location and design to commence from the start of the 2020/2021 financial year.”
The announcement has come about a relentless campaign of advocacy from C4EM over the past two years in partnership with the local member for Murray Helen Dalton MP.
Copious letters to the NSW Police Minister, Questions on notice in parliament, visits by shadow ministers, and coordinated meetings with the Local Police Inspector, Local Area Commander and the NSW Police Association, along with a sustained media campaign has now resulted in an outcome.
It highlights the crucial role that regional newspapers such as the Riverine Herald play in emphasising issues of concern for country communities. “Local papers provide regional people with a strong voice to the government. Without a reliable, balanced source of news; regional communities will be cast adrift into a sea of misinformation and hearsay. The Riverine Herald has been hugely instrumental in helping us raise the profile of the issue at a local, regional and state level.” said Nina O’Brien.
The announcement follows the plan put in place by Murray River Council in early March when they resolved to commence the process of converting the portion of land between the Rural Fire Service shed and Francis Street intersection in Moama from community land to operational land. The provision of land at a minimal cost to the State has also helped advance the construction of the new Station and is a sound way of helping facilitate the project.
“Band-Aids were not likely to fix the woes of the current Moama Police Station. It was never intended for use as an operational base for daily policing. The local Police do a great job in the highly sub-standard facilities that are well below what is considered reasonable by today’s workplace standards” indicated Nina O’Brien.
C4EM CEO, Nina O’Brien “Real progress is achieved when state and local government work in genuine partnership with local stakeholders for the broader benefit of the local community. “
C4EM will continue to hold the NSW government accountable for a firm start date confirmed timeline for the project. for the Moama Police Station project and
Enquiries:
Nina O’Brien Chief Executive Officer ~ Committee for Echuca Moama Ph: 0409 804 415