State Member for Euroa Annabelle Cleeland and Shadow Minister for Police Brad Battin told attendees at the Broadford, Benalla, Euroa and Locksley meetings on June 12 that regional police were being removed from vital local duties.
“With 35 weeks of continuous protests in Melbourne, regional police keep getting dragged into the city,” Ms Cleeland said.
“This lack of support locally threatens to leave rural communities without a policing presence and sends a signal that the safety and protection of our rural communities doesn’t matter.
“Many of these small country towns are too far away from a major centre for police to respond to an emergency situation within a reasonable timeframe.”
The meetings tackled issues such as increased local crime — particularly thefts, farm crime, assault and family violence.
Also discussed was the need for more police resources to be shared with country towns.
“I understand that several people in our region, whether it be in town or on farms, have been feeling more vulnerable to crime than usual in recent times,” Ms Cleeland said.
“I’m so glad they were able to share their stories with us.”
Ms Cleeland said the efforts of community groups, businesses, farms and households in deterring crime were “incredible”.
“What they are doing to keep safe is inspiring, whether it be reinvigorating their Neighbourhood Watch programs or increasing their property surveillance.
“I look forward to there being an increase in police resources in our towns in the near future, so that everyone feels safe in their home, farm, and business.”
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