March 23, 2018 Pilbara coast exposed by closure of water police unit The McGowan Government’s decision to close the North West Water Police unit is short-sighted and will leave the State’s northern coastline vulnerable to drug trafficking and boat users unsupported, according to Shadow Minister for Northern Australia Ken Baston. “To leave the north of the State with no water police protection is confirmation of this Labor Government’s complete lack of commitment to the regions and the people who live in them,” Mr Baston said. “This area has one of the highest number of boat registrations per capita in the State and there is a huge amount of recreational and commercial activity on the water around Karratha and they are all going to be left without any on-the-water protection.” Mr Baston said the vast and isolated nature of the coastline in the Pilbara made it very vulnerable to drug trafficking and other illegal activity. “It’s inconceivable that this State Government, knowing these vulnerabilities would simply shut down the only water police unit in the north of the state,” he said. “Some of this state’s largest infrastructure projects are also located off the Pilbara coast will also be left unprotected.” Mr Baston said local authorities and interest groups had been told the closure was the result of a change in the ‘current security environment’. “Police Minister Michelle Roberts needs to explain immediately what is meant by ‘current security environment’ and commit to keep this essential police service operating,” Mr Baston said. “Residents and businesses operating in this location deserve reassurance that this isn’t just another cut in services to pay for the McGowan Government’s $5 billion in unfunded election commitments.” Media Contact |
