Saving the station

Greens MP Jamie Parker is campaigning to save the Glebe Police Station from being sold or developed.

The NSW Police retracted its plan for a local area command in Leichhardt, which would have jeopardised the Glebe station but the fate of the sandstone building is still up in the air.

“The withdrawal of the development application by NSW Police is positive but it’s unclear as to the motivation for the withdrawal.”

“The Police still seem committed to building the Leichhardt super police station [elsewhere] at the expense of Glebe Police Station which will reduce the strong community police presence in Glebe.”

Councillor Parker said the Glebe Police Station is inadequate in its current state but NSW Police should consider refurbishing the premises first.

The Station is listed with the National Trust as a building of significant local and historical importance, Cr Parker said. Losing another valuable public asset would not be in the community’s best interest, he said.

“In principle it’s wrong and in its effect it will be negative. As we know with important public assets, once they are sold to the highest private bidder they are lost from the community.”

Community activist with Hands Off Glebe, Denis Doherty said moving the police station would contribute to a souring relationship between NSW police and the local community.

“If they are the big bother types zooming around on super duper motorbikes and in cars instead of walking and riding their bicycles in area they can’t have that relationship,” he said.

“They come in for five seconds, then zoom off.”

Cr Parker said there was “a lack of transparency” with development plans. “The government needs to be very clear with the community regarding the plan to sell public assets,” he said.

“The approach to sell part or all of Glebe Police Station only emerged during the debate over Leichhardt Police Station … I am seeking a meeting with the Minister of Police,” Cr Parker said.

Leichhardt Police Commander, Superintendant Stephen Blackmore said future decisions would be made with council and the community. “Mr Parker has never spoken to me about the police station and I welcome him to do so.”

“The police station in itself is inadequate for the policing services that we need to deliver to the community … We don’t really see this as a policing issue as so much a development issue.”

President of The Glebe Society, Mairéad Browne said there has been appropriate consultation with the community.

“We have several members in quite extended discussions with the local police command.”

Mayor of Leichhardt and Joint Regional Planning Panel’s (JRPP) member, Rochelle Porteous said she was concerned about police cars speeding in a school zone.

“The Police Commissioner told the JRPP panel that police vehicles should not be expected to respect the 40km speed limit around the school.”

By Elizabeth Jarrett