VICTORIA Police has assured the community stations at Mount Hotham and Falls Creek will be manned during winter, but failed to outline in what capacity.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The force clarified the situation amid rising fears on Thursday neither building would open for the busy snow season.
Alarm bells first went off when opposition police spokesman Edward O’Donohue tweeted the two services would be shut for the “first time in memory”.
A police spokeswoman would not say how many staff or what hours the stations would operate, claiming rosters had still not been drawn up just two weeks from the season opening.
“As per previous years, police from eastern region division four will staff the Mount Hotham and Falls Creek police stations,” she said.
“The opening hours are yet to be determined but there will be a police presence this winter.
“Rosters will be planned to best resource the area and meet the needs of the community.
“Police will patrol all Alpine areas across the state covering the road network, townships and slopes while also conducting operations including liquor licensing operations.”
The potential lack of police was raised during Victorian Parliament question time by Benambra MLA Bill Tilley and Ovens Valley MLA Tim McCurdy, who were still awaiting answers late Thursday. Neither the pair nor Mr O'Donohue could confirm if cuts were a certainty.
Mr Tilley claimed an internal police review had taken place to look at cost-saving measures and said a police presence was needed in those areas.
“I think Victoria Police needs to very quickly reverse any idea they were going to stop providing police services on the mountain – it is ludicrous,” he said.
“Members up there do an extraordinary job, you need them up there, it’s critical.”
There have already been access issues at Falls Creek after the Bogong High Plains Road was closed on Thursday because of heavy snow.
Police stations on both mountains typically open during ski season, when thousands of people flock to the alpine region.
Mr McCurdy expressed concern at the thought of stations not opening.
“We've heard there won't be police there and we are starting to ask questions,” he said.
“It is a concern they are shutting down regional police stations and it's a trend that is getting out of hand.”
Police Minister Lisa Neville also confirmed police would man the mountains.
"The Chief Commissioner has assured me that there will be a police presence on the mountains this winter,” she said.
“I'm advised Victoria Police are undertaking consultations on the best policing model for the alpine area.”
