Toolijooa Village Proposal Sparks Concerns By Police
Illawarra Mercury
Thursday March 20, 2008
POLICE have expressed concern over a lifestyle village proposed for Toolijooa, saying they do not have the resources to service a population increase of 1500 people.
Toolijooa, a small rural community just south of Gerringong, sits at the southern extremity of the Lake Illawarra police command and, at present, barely registers on the crime radar.Police resources in the south have been a source of controversy over the past 10 years since Gerringong Police Station was downgraded to a part-time operation. Residents and some politicians have reasoned the growing area needs more resources.Lake Illawarra police have maintained the area is well-serviced.But Lake Illawarra Chief Inspector Bob Noble said yesterday a caravan park would increase the potential for crime and stretch the command's resources."It's going to affect the police on the ground and it's going to affect existing residents of the local government area in as much as the availability or the time it takes us to respond," Chief Insp Noble said."Obviously, if a significant population moves into Toolijooa, we will have to look at our deployment and make submissions if we need more staff, but the police aspect of this development needs to be considered."Kiama Municipal Council on Tuesday night rejected plans by Wygiren Pty Ltd to build the caravan park together with a supermarket, medical centre, gymnasium and pool and recreation area.Wygiren has appealed the decision in the Land and Environment Court and the matter will be determined as part of an eight-day merit hearing, which will begin with a site inspection at Toolijooa next Thursday.
© 2008 Illawarra Mercury