East Gippsland police station improvements announced this week is good news for some local communities, but Gippsland East Nationals MP, Tim Bull, said having more police officers on the beat should remain the top priority.

With the Lakes Entrance Police Station having been closed for long periods over the recent peak holiday times, and the fact figures on staffing levels show there are less police in East Gippsland now than in 2014, is cause for concern.

“After the Coalition Government added 1900 police state-wide between 2010 and 2014, figures from Victoria Police’s own website show a reduction in police numbers since, when our population has increased,” Mr Bull said.

“These improved facilities need to be matched with a commitment to restore police numbers in East Gippsland.

“It’s pleasing for Mallacoota, who will receive a new station, and Lakes Entrance, Bairnsdale and Maffra police stations will be refurbished.

“Our police do a great job, and it’s important that facilities are maintained to current standards.”