The existing heritage-listed station in Francis St has long been deemed unsuitable to service the town’s rapidly growing population, as it cannot accommodate any additional staff.
Funding of $4 million was allocated towards the new Moama Police Station in the 2021-2022 state budget, and a further $1.9 million was allocated in the 2022-2023 budget.
The expected completion date of the project is 2024.
Ms Dalton said it was common practice for election promises to be made, without any visible results being achieved for years.
“Come on NSW Government, let’s get on with it,” the independent MP said.
“Money was allocated a number of years ago and nothing has happened.
“If you announce it during that budget period, then get on with it. Don’t wait until the next election cycle, because this place is exploding and we need some critical services here.”
The site was given by Murray River Council to the NSW Police Force to build the new police station.
However, the land was originally zoned for community purposes. As such, rezoning and subdivision was required, which delayed progress on the site.
The site of the new police station on Cobb Hwy, known as Lawry Park, is also home to the Rural Fire Service station.
But Ms Dalton asked, why stop there?
She would like to see the site transformed into a central hub for emergency services, with the adoption of an ambulance station and helipad.
“Moama has to be one of the fastest growing areas in NSW. In the past four years this place has just exploded,” Ms Dalton said.
“We have a new bridge here, there’s more traffic coming through here and there’s more people here. The government needs to keep up.
“It’s just a no-brainer.”
In April 2021, The Riv reported that former NSW Police Minister David Elliott had announced the development would commence in 2022.
Ms Dalton wrote to current NSW Deputy Premier and Police Minister Paul Toole on November 24 regarding an update, at which point she was advised an official reply from Mr Toole would arrive shortly.
In the meantime, she said she would continue to push the envelope until progress was made.
“People want to be proud of their police station,” she said.
“I will keep on going because we’ve got a lot of work to do here.”
