You can call triple-0 or drop into your local station and there will be someone to help you out.

The time it takes to get police on scene will depend on the seriousness of what has happened – police do have limited resources so it makes sense to prioritise.

At the very least there is the peace of mind that comes with knowing you will get assistance when it is needed.

But such peace of mind is hard to find when you don’t even have one officer in your community.

The powers-that-be might say help is always on hand from larger towns in the region.

But for most people that’s simply not good enough.

They don’t want to wait while a crew – who very well might have no local knowledge – makes the journey cross country to answer a call.

This is the ongoing dilemma facing residents in the King Valley.

It is now almost 18 months since the station at Whitfield became empty, but for many locals the absence feels far longer.

Since before Easter last year they have had to rely on another lone member from the Moyhu station, which is about 25 kilometres away.

Whitfield district residents say that falls well short of what any community should have to contend with, especially when law and order is involved.

The issue has been festering along ever since and has now prompted a meeting of about 40 residents outside the station.

High on their list of concerns raised with Opposition police spokesman Edward O’Donohue were matters related to public safety risks, including that presented by rogue hunters and hoon drivers.

One resident told of a “real sense of unease” in the town, of being threatened with assault and of the worry of knowing people can drive home from the pub drunk without worrying about speed limits.

Another says the issue of hunters is becoming a major problem, especially poachers shooting from the road across paddocks in the dark without care for livestock or farm houses.

The people of Whitfield certainly deserve far better than what is now being served up to them.