McCurdy doubles down on 24-hour Cobram police station

The Nationals’ Member for Ovens Valley, Tim McCurdy, says urgent action is needed to restore safety in Cobram following a well-attended Neighbourhood Policing Forum held in town recently.

“The message from residents was loud and clear: crime is rising, people are concerned, and the current policing model doesn't offer adequate protection to locals,” Mr McCurdy said.

Locals from Cobram and Yarrawonga raised serious concerns about the lack of overnight police presence, soft bail laws, and an increase in burglaries and drug-related crime.

“The forum covered everything from family violence to road trauma and farm theft. Across the board, the need for stronger police resourcing was clear.”

Mr McCurdy said Victoria Police’s own admission of 1,100 vacancies statewide and a new retirement scheme that could see many experienced officers leave only strengthens the case for action.

“Our local police are doing their best, but they’re stretched too thin.

“Communities like Cobram shouldn’t be left vulnerable overnight.”

Mr McCurdy has been calling for a 24-hour police station in Cobram since 2017 and says the Allan Labor Government’s failure to act is putting locals at risk.

“When residents in over-50s villages are locking up in fear, that’s a sign the system is broken.”

The Nationals remain committed to fighting for a fair go for Cobram and Moira Shire, with Mr McCurdy vowing to keep pushing until change is delivered.

“Our community deserves protection, and we won’t stop fighting until we get it.

“Labor can’t manage crime, and regional Victorians are paying the price.”