The Campbell Town subdivision is to assume responsibility for policing of the Avoca region.

The Commissioner of Police, Darren Hine, said the decision to close the Avoca Police Station from mid October had not been taken lightly.

“It’s a move that we have given serious consideration to and we have been consulting with the community over the possible closure of the station,” Mr Hine said.

“Tasmania Police has listened to community concerns and we have also undertaken research looking at whether the region could be adequately serviced by other nearby stations, which already occurs if the Avoca officer is attending another job or on a day off,” Mr Hine said.

Factors considered by Tasmania Police in making the decision included population and demographics of the region and the number of incidents and offences reported to police over the last 10 years.

“We are confident that the township can be provided with safe, effective and efficient policing services from Deloraine Division, which includes Campbell Town subdivision and station 35 kilometres away,” Mr Hine said.  “Backup can and will be provided from Fingal or St Marys when required, 24 hours a day.”

The Avoca station is staffed by one police officer. The position has been vacant for the past eight months, with officers seconded to fill the position.

The station will close from October the 14th.  However the station’s telephone number will remain current for approximately six weeks after this date, with calls diverted to Radio Dispatch Services to allow a prompt response.

“Unfortunately Tasmania Police is not immune from budget cuts and we have to make reductions,” Mr Hine said.  “Our focus remains on high visibility community policing and we are confident that this can still be achieved with the Avoca region being covered by the Deloraine division.”

A number of positions have been identified in the districts as part of the first year budget reductions including the removal of one position at each of the following locations: Glenorchy CIB, Western PORT, Eastern Community Policing and Marine (Operations Support).  The removal of these positions coincides with vacancies that have occurred and have been subject to vacancy control for some time or will not be filled when a vacancy next occurs.

“It’s important to again stress that it’s positions and not people which are being cut as we work to try and achieve the challenges presented by a budget reduction,” Mr Hine said.  “However, every effort is being made to ensure continued and efficient service delivery with minimal impact on the community.”

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