Push for police

Iemma meets with Helensburgh residents

Heathcote MP Paul McLeay and NSW Premier Morris Iemma at last Friday's meeting in Helensburgh.

HELENSBURGH residents have taken their growing concerns over rising crime and a lack of police directly to the NSW Premier.

Morris Iemma met with community representatives at Helensburgh Bowling Club last Friday to discuss issues of importance in the town.

The recent spate of vandalism and robbery was a dominant topic throughout the meeting.

"There's a lot that goes on here on the weekends," Holy Cross Primary School P&C representative Kathy Scullion told the Premier.

"People are really destructive."

Mrs Scullion told Mr Iemma that the absence of a constant police presence was a major concern in Helensburgh.

"It's a bit of a frightening feeling to think that if something does happen it can take 30 minutes or more for the police to get here," she said.

"Having someone here 24 hours a day, seven days a week would be very comforting for people."

Helensburgh Public School principal Gary Royston also raised the issue of vandalism and asked about the possibility of obtaining security fencing to protect the school.

Mr Iemma discussed the government's plan to put an extra 750 police onto NSW streets early next year.

He also stressed the need to attack the causes of anti-social behaviour and teach Australian values to children.

"It is about teaching greater respect and responsibility," Mr Iemma said.

Ward 1 councillor Alice Cartan who attended the meeting along with Lord Mayor Alex Darling said residents gave the Premier a good picture of the crime problem in Helensburgh.

"There was no spin being put on anything all the information came right from the horse's mouth," Cr Cartan said.

Those attending the meeting thanked Mr Iemma for recent government projects such as the completion of the Sea Cliff Bridge and the upgrade of Helensburgh Public School. The need for pedestrian crossings and better roads in Helensburgh was also discussed.

Nine months out from the next NSW election, the Premier was keen to outline the government's 10-year plan to improve health, education and employment across the state.

"When completed it will spell out targets to drive government agencies to improve the way services are delivered to the Helensburgh community," Mr Iemma said.

"That's why it's important for as many people as possible to get involved.