Despite the opening of the new New Norfolk Police Station, the current crime wave sweeping the Derwent Valley has residents concerned about their personal safety.
The issue remains that there are not enough on duty police officers in the Valley at all times.
There is a possible temporary solution that Labor has put forward: while the new Bridgewater Police Station is under construction, they should transfer staff to the New Norfolk station to increase the police presence in the Valley.
I will move a motion when parliament next sits that states, among other things:
Calls on the Minister of Police and Emergency Management to consider including New Norfolk Police Station as a Divisional Station to accommodate Police Officers during the construction of the new Bridgewater Police Station.
This move will increase the police presence in the Derwent Valley and improve the Tasmanian Police’s efforts to deal with the crime wave currently consuming the community.
The Liberal government’s broken promises and lack of action on police numbers have led to a rise in crime rates in the Derwent Valley and left much of the community living in fear.
There has been a spate of arson attacks across New Norfolk, costing the community hundreds of thousands of dollars in damages.
This follows repeated break-ins at the New Norfolk Golf Club, New Norfolk Cricket Club and the recent break-in at the newly established Food Pantry, set up by volunteers to help community members struggling with cost-of-living pressures.
Long-term business owners have reported an increase in petty theft and shoplifting, with family-run businesses fed up with losing stock, and calling for a better police presence and quicker response times and follow up.
Labor is looking for practical solutions for the Derwent Valley Community, and is doing all we can to support the community and keep Derwent Valley residents safe.
Jen Butler MP
Labor Member for Lyons
