Provest calls for water police
A TWEED politician has his sights set on securing more police resources for the region.
Tweed MP Geoff Provest said he wanted water police in the Tweed just days after the announcement of 20 recruits being stationed in the region.
Mr Provest had pushed parliament for a boost in police numbers in the region. He now wants dedicated water police.
"I'm hopeful that we will get an announcement of water police in the up and coming budget," Mr Provest said.
"We would want dedicated water police and an ocean-going vessel and a river vessel.
"It's getting busier in the waters around the Tweed. I have seen where police had to take people to shore and wait for land-based police to get people breathalysed."
Mr Provest said the police and Volunteer Marine Rescue were in talks and "initial plans" were underway for a joint facility at the Southern Boat Harbour.
"Currently the police have a small rib boat and a number of police on the Tweed have been trained," he said.
"Historically we have been visited by the ocean-going vessel based in Coffs Harbour.
"In 20 years I have seen that vessel about three times."
Tweed police were unavailable for comment on the latest push for more resources.
