Narrandera’s century old police station has been branded as outdated and the community’s plea for a new station will be on the NSW Police Minister’s desk this week.

Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke has heeded the call from Narrandera Shire Council and is due to speak with Minster for Police and Emergency Services David Elliott.

Councillors have labelled the facilities as cramped and dampening the prospects of attracting additional police to the town.

“Our police officers play a crucial role in protecting the community and it is imperative they are supported with a safe and adequate working environment that meets their needs and responsibilities,” Ms Cooke said.

“I regularly meet with the Minister for Police and Emergency Services about the condition of facilities and resourcing across the Cootamundra electorate and will be discussing the Narrandera Police Station with him (this) week.”

Narrandera Shire mayor Neville Kschenka said it was not just the public but also the police who found the station inadequate.

He said a new purpose-built station to replace the early 1900s building would be “ideal”.

“The staff are working in very poor conditions and unfortunately it is not only Narrandera – there are many police stations around the state needing replacement,” Cr Kschenka said.

This will be first time Council has lobbied for a new police station on a greenfield site.

“For the staff who have to man the place and work in those conditions, it is only fair,” Cr Kschenka said.

Cr Narelle Payne said she had received a report of an incident where a member of the public was forced to make a verbal report in a corridor at the police station due to lack of space.

“There was no privacy and that person was quite concerned the police station is not adequate for purpose, and they believe it is necessary for the building of a new police station,” Cr Payne said.

She said members of the public were garnering support to lobby for a new purpose built station.

Cr Kschenka said more room was needed for the police staff to operate, particularly for confidential matters.

“The staff amenities are lacking – it would help attract police to come to our town if their working conditions were much better.”

Kr Kschenka said the station had been staffed by 11 police at the last meeting between Council and police.

“We are one officer down but if need be, that position can be filled by a nearby town, for example, Leeton.”

Ms Cooke said she was proud of having delivered additional police resources for the town.

This included restoring the Narrandera police officer numbers back to full strength, refurbishing the Barellan Police Station and an officer based in the community.

“We have also welcomed new probationary constables from Class 340 and 343,” she said.

 “The NSW Government is committed to strengthening the NSW Police Force, delivering 1500 additional police officers over four years.”

Murrumbidgee District Inspector Justin Cormes confirmed the police station was heritage listed and staff working there were “resilient” but a “fit for purpose” building was needed

Inspector Cormes said the Narrandera Station was down one staff member due to transfer but the position was being advertised.

This article appeared in the Narrandera Argus, 18 March 2021.