Victoria’s most senior police officer, Chief Commissioner Graham Ashton, was in Lakes Entrance on Monday to discuss police resourcing in the town over holiday periods with Gippsland East MP, Tim Bull.  

Mr Bull, who has raised the matter in Parliament on several occasions in a quest to have more police allocated in peak tourist times as used to occur, said it was a very productive meeting with the Chief Commissioner, who has given an undertaking to have a good look at the situation.  

Superintendent Brad Dixon and Officer in Charge of Lakes Entrance Police Station, Senior Sergeant Phil Bogle, were also in attendance.  

“I am very appreciative of Graham taking the time to come to Lakes Entrance and sit down and discuss the matters of concern. The focus of the chat was obviously around having more police allocated in peak holiday periods to cater for the increased crowds and the fact that the workload of local police increases as a result.  

“In the meeting I was able to explain the frustration (as has been relayed through my office) felt by some locals and tourists when resources are stretched.  

“The discussion was basically around the fact that although our local police do a great job and are heavily involved in the community, they just need more help at certain times of the year.  

“I also wanted to point out that if additional staff can be allocated, they needed to come from outside the region, as transferring staff from Bairnsdale was not ideal given they have increased tourist numbers to deal with in locations like Paynesville and Eagle Point.  

“From the round-table, I believe the Chief Commissioner has a clearer picture of the situation in Lakes Entrance with the massive influx of people and associated demands. It is terrific that he was able to come to town and I look forward to again raising this in Parliament with the Minister in the hope that we will have additional resources for the Easter period, which is only a matter of 10 weeks away,” Mr Bull said.  

Caption: Chief Commissioner of Victoria Police, Graham Ashton (centre), was in Lakes Entrance this week for a discussion on police resourcing over holiday periods with local MP, Tim Bull, and Officer in Charge of Lakes Entrance Police Station, Senior Sergeant Phil Bogle.  

Tuesday, January 17, 2017