Left field police plan panned

By Casey Neill
EMERALD is becoming increasingly divided over where its new police station should go.
This month’s State Budget included cash for land for a new cop shop, to accommodate extra officers to create a 24-hour station by June 2014.
The Gazette last week reported that Peter Nodin, an original Save Emerald Police Station Action Group member, wanted to see the station on Pepi’s Paddock.
He said it was a great spot and, because the State Government gave the land to the shire in 1998, the council should give some of it back for the project.
But Emerald Village Committee chairman Hamish Russell has told the Gazette he was surprised at the suggestion.
“That would be the last thing we’d want to see on that land,” he said.
“And a police station out of town is what we don’t want.”
He said the group and the council had worked hard to obtain the land, on Beaconsfield-Emerald Road, and it was part of a masterplan to complement nearby Worrell Reserve.
Dr Russell said there were other options if the current site was not big enough.
“The village committee wouldn’t support the proposal,” he said.
“They might have to look harder.”
Gembrook MP Brad Battin had indicated the site was unsuitable because the council already had plans for it, but this week clarified his stance.
“All available options will be investigated to achieve the best result for the community,” he said.
“The location of the new police station will be subject to many conditions, including council overlays.
“Planning is still in the very early stages and no decision has been made yet.
“I understand that people are interested in the new location and I will ensure the community is consulted and informed as appropriate.”
Ranges Ward councillor Graeme Legge wanted to know what accommodation the station required, to determine if the current site was suitable.
“If it’s not, we’ll have to look further afield.”
He said Pepi’s Paddock was in the mix.
“But I feel it’s unlikely to end up there,” he said.
“That’s personal opinion.”