Thursday, 7 April 2022

Western Victoria Region

Mr GRIMLEY (Western Victoria) (12:44): (1747) My question is to the Minister for Police. Like many places in regional Victoria, the Bannockburn community is growing. In fact it is one of the faster growing regions in Victoria. There are reports of up to 7000 parcels of land being unlocked for development, and that could see Bannockburn reach a population of 13 000 people by 2036. I am also told that this is a conservative number and that the true population growth could be much higher. The Golden Plains Shire Council as well as many members of the Bannockburn community have approached me about the need for more police. According to the latest crime statistics, Bannockburn had an increase of criminal incidents in 2021. As the population continues to grow and we have less lockdowns, there is the potential for more crime incidents to occur. Governments are known to implement infrastructure for future growth, and there must be a plan for emergency services. I know Victoria Police make operational decisions independently; however, the community believe there is a need to expand the service from a 16-hour station to a 24-hour station. Minister, will you advocate to Victoria Police for Bannockburn police station to become a 24-hour service?