Minister for Police Yasmin Catley and Member for Murray Helen Dalton at the station in March this year.
A community-led petition which calls for Murray River Council to advocate for a new Mathoura police station has already prompted a positive response.
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With 300 signatures at the time it was discussed at this week’s meeting, council has now formally joined the fight for the new station and will lobby the NSW Government for adequate funding.
Council also encourages people to continue to support the petition, to highlight growing community concerns about the lack of a permanent police presence and the need for improved infrastructure to ensure greater safety, visibility, and response capability in the township.
“The last two years have seen an alarming increase in reported crime in, and around, the town,” the petition reads.
“The community deserves the right to feel safe in their own homes, and secure in the knowledge that local law enforcement is on hand and only minutes away.”
In addition to promoting the petition, council will write to the NSW Minister for Police, local Members of Parliament, and the NSW Police Force to advocate for increased policing infrastructure and resourcing in Mathoura.
Mayor John Harvie said the strong show of support from residents signals how important this issue is to the community.
“Our residents have made it clear that they want to feel safe and supported, and permanent policing infrastructure plays a vital role in that,” he said.
“Council is proud to stand behind this petition and to help amplify the community’s voice in calling for the resources they deserve.”
Council is encouraging other members of the community who haven’t yet signed the petition to get involved and show their support.
“Whether you’re a resident, business owner, or just someone who cares about the future of Mathoura, we invite you to join the call for action,” Cr Harvie added.
News of the Mathoura police station being “condemned” were first brought to public attention in March 2023 by then Murray River Councillor and Mathoura resident Tom Weyrich.
Public safety concerns at Mathoura Police Station were first made public in March 2023.
It was during the NSW Government election campaign period, during which a pledge for a new Moama station was made.
Little improvement has been made to the Mathoura building since, with some now describing it as “derelict”.
While in the region for the Moama station sod turning ceremony in March this year, NSW Minister for Police and Counter-terrorism Yasmin Catley was made aware of the situation at Mathoura.
A stop at the Mathoura station was initiated by NSW Member for Murray Helen Dalton when she and the minister, and a police delegation, were on their way to Deniliquin for another event.
The petition is available to sign in-person at Murray River Council’s customer service offices, via the link at www.murrayriver.nsw.gov.au/Council/News/Public-notices (to download and return), and at various businesses around Mathoura.
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