Road safety in the spotlight as minister tours South West police stations

Road safety, missing persons and community collaboration were in the spotlight as the Minister for Police toured the Lower South West. Paul Papalia was joined by Warren-Blackwood MLA Jane Kelsbie as they toured police stations in the region where road safety and police collaboration with communities were revealed as common themes. Ms Kelsbie said visiting the police stations was a great way for her to understand the issues facing police and her constituents as she entered the world of politics. “Visiting our local police stations and meeting our local officers was a great way to get a snapshot of issues facing our towns including road safety and speeding,” she said. “Also an excellent way to hear about the positives of community policing and working collaboratively to build stronger communities.” Ms Kelsbie won her seat in the recent State election leaving her position as chief executive at Worklink WA. The pair stopped at stations in Manjimup, Nannup, Bridgetown, Pemberton, Margaret River and Boyup Brook. Mr Papalia commended Manjimup police for their work in reducing crime rates and connecting with the community. “I was really pleased to be able to call in to the police stations in Warren-Blackwood with Jane Kelsbie as part of my visit to every police station in the South West,” he said. “The staff at the Manjimup Police Station have been doing a great job.” The visit came on the back of a $41 million announcement of safety improvements and upgrades for roads in the region. The funding announcement was the biggest of its kind in the State, with safety features being installed on 430km of roads including South Western Highway, Brockman Highway, Sues Road, Vasse Highway and Forrest Highway. According to Mr Papalia, the treatments aim to make the roads safer and further reduce road incidents in the future.