When hundreds of residents gathered outside the Tea Gardens Police Station in early June to hear Premier Gladys Berejiklian announce the State government had allocated a $1M upgrade of the station, there was elation.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Seven weeks later, and that promised spend has been whittled down to $117,000, budgeted for the next financial year.
Well-equipped, modern police stations are fundamental to effective policing, and this upgrade will enhance the capability of local police to keep the Tea Gardens community safe, Ms Berejiklian told locals who had been lobbying for improved police resources in the town.
A disappointed Member for Port Stephens, Kate Washington said she was getting used to the State government failing to deliver on its promises.
“But, one thing I did take away from the Premier’s visit was at least there was confidence there wasn’t going to be any closure of the police station,” she said.
“Now the community is wondering what is going to happen and there is no indication of when it is intended for completion.”
The Premier’s $1M pledge was announced following persistent rumours the government planned to close the weatherboard station following the merger of Port Stephens and parts of the existing Central Hunter commands last year.
Port Stephens had a number of satellite police stations, including Nelson Bay, Karuah, Lemon Tree Passage and Tea Gardens.
Tea Gardens resident, Gordon Grainger was keen to set the record straight after the Premier had earlier claimed Ms Washington was instrumental in telling the community the police station was earmarked for closure.
In actual fact the advice came from MidCoast Council councillor, Karen Hutchinson through Facebook, Mr Grainger said.
“I took the opportunity to ask our State representative, Kate Washington if the information was fact.
Co“She responded by confirming she had heard the rumour and suggested a community meeting be convened to determine local response.
“The community responded to that meeting with a resounding no to any closure and was subsequently confirmed by police management.
“As a community we were gratified to not only have confirmation from the premier the station would not close, but the State government would provide $1M to upgrade the facility which is operating in premises built in the late 1800s.
“There was no mention that those funds would be allocated over a prolonged period.”
Mr Grainger jokingly said the reduced funding could probably replace a few computers, mow the lawns and have a couple of car services, all to be done over the next financial year.
“Our mistake. We failed to ask over what period the $1M would be dribbled out.”