Yasmin Catley MP and Helen Dalton MP outside the 'derelict' Mathoura police station earlier last week.
Demands for a new Mathoura Police Station are now officially on NSW Police and Counter-terrorism Minister Yasmin Catley’s radar.
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In the region for a sod turning ceremony to kick-start construction of the Moama Police Station on Tuesday, March 4, the minister was steered toward Mathoura by NSW Member for Murray Helen Dalton.
The pair visited the ‘derelict’ station together.
“We’ve certainly been advocating for a transferable (demountable) station (in Mathoura),” Ms Dalton said.
“I spoke to the minister, and the opportunity came up when she came to Moama on Tuesday.
“We made sure she was made aware of the condition of the Mathoura building, which is derelict and full of white ants and well past its use by date.”
“It is an ageing and unsuitable premises for police.”
While the visit does not guarantee a new Mathoura station will be delivered, Ms Dalton said it was important to start the conversation.
“The minister showed she is interested in what we are putting forward; I’ve always affirmed that we’re a very practicable people here (in Murray),” she said.
“I was very happy that the minister chose to increase the funding of the new Moama station to $7.9 million.
“Moama is only 30 minutes away from Mathoura, but we still need something for the people of Mathoura.
“I think a transferable (demountable) building will suffice for what we want, to have police able to operate from Mathoura again.
“Seeing is believing and now that we’ve made her aware of the situation, I will certainly follow it up and get back to Yasmin about what can be done when we go back to parliament.
“I was very grateful for her attendance.”
Mathoura’s Tom Weyrich started campaigning for a new police station at Mathoura while he was still a councillor with Murray River Council.
Although he was not re-elected to the council in September, he has continued to advocate on the issue because of its importance to the community.
He said a spike in district crime which started last year only highlights the importance further.
Mr Weyrich called the minister’s visit “potentially promising”, but expressed disappointment that locals were not given the change to express their concerns to the minister directly.
“First thing’s first, I don’t understand why they keep things like this a secret and that they didn’t seek local knowledge and input,” he said.
“I wish someone could have told me as we could’ve taken part in discussions.
“Don’t get me wrong, I think it's a good thing, and hats off to Helen Dalton for getting the police minister here — I guess it’s a step in the right direction.
“However, the campaigning for a new Moama station has taken over 27 years, and I don’t think Mathoura can wait that long.
“Action speaks louder than words, and I have little faith in trusting that politicians will take action.”
Police tape is being used to restrict access to areas of public safety concern at Mathoura Police Station.
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