Deputy Premier and Leader of the NSW Nationals John Barilaro today announced that the Nationals and Liberals will commit to delivering a $12 million upgrade to the Singleton Police Station.
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The Deputy Premier was joined by NSW Nationals candidate for the Upper Hunter Dave Layzell and the Minister for Police and Emergency Services David Elliot today at the station to announce and outline the commitment plans.
"The current police station in Singleton has been serving the community since 1867 and the heritage listed building is home to around 50 staff," Mr Barilaro said.
"As a state government we will work with the local community, with council and our police to make sure we don't just have a station for today but for our future."
This comes only weeks after NSW Labor Leader Jodie McKay was joined with NSW Labor candidate for the Upper Hunter Jeff Drayton who announced Labor's $17 million dollar commitment to the station upgrades.
"The opposition made their announcement in regard to the station upgrades and they have plucked the numbers they put forward out of the air," Mr Barilaro added.
"The reality and difference is our commitment is money in the bank, we will deliver because we are in government.
"Anything the opposition promises is at least two years before they promise it again at the general election."
The current Singleton Police Station complex was built in 1867 and is deemed as a heritage listed building.
"We have to reflect on the fact that when this beautiful building was built it was a resting bush rangers," said Minister for Police and Emergency Services David.
"It has been a long time coming this sort of upgrade.
"As much as I really want to see the heritage of these country police stations maintained, we have also got to make sure it is fit for purpose."
The Nationals claim that the new fit-for-purpose station will meet the needs of the growing Hunter Valley Police District and mean Singleton can continue to be well resourced by NSW Police as part of the NSW Government's commitment to building a safer and stronger Upper Hunter.