BY KAYNE STEPHENS
Labor is joining the Shooters, Fishers, and Farmers Party in promising to make Singleton Police Station a 24-hour facility.
It's the latest campaign pledge in the crucial Upper Hunter by-election.
Shooters, Fishers, and Farmers candidate Sue Gilroy made her announcement on Tuesday. She says enough investment is needed in the Station in order for it to operate 24 hours a day.
New South Wales Labor Leader Jodi McKay has echoed the calls today, pledging a $17 million upgrade to allow the station to operate 24/7.
She made the announcement alongside Shadow Police Minister Linda Voltz, as well as Labor's candidate for the seat Jeff Drayton.
“Locals have been calling for upgrades to this tired facility for years. It needs amenities to alleviate overcrowding and allow for modern policing,” Ms McKay said.
Linda Voltz said locals have been asking for the upgrade for some time.
"The Singleton area is growing and the Government must invest in the future by building either a purpose-built facility or an acceptable upgrade at the existing site,” she said.
It follows the Shooters, Fishers, and Farmers candidate Sue Gilroy raising the issue yesterday.
“Singleton is the largest town in the electorate but yet we are left with no police force after hours”, Ms. Gilroy said.
“The community has been calling for 24-hour police access for several years now...It’s terrifying to know that if a crime takes place after hours, the victim has to wait for a response from the Muswellbrook Police Station, a 40 plus minute drive away," she said.
Meanwhile as the campaign heats up, former Port Stephens Mayor Bruce Mackenzie has flagged possibly running as an independent in the Upper Hunter.
The 82-year-old has told The Herald that while he's yet to make up his mind, building the Tillegra Dam and protecting coal mining jobs would be his campaign priorities if he decides to run.
The by-election will be held on 22 May.
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| Upper Hunter Shooters, Fishers, and Farmers Party candidate Sue Gilroy. |
