Wattle Range Mayor Des Noll directed some highly critical remarks at SA Police during the September monthly council meeting.

“SAPOL does not have a community connection anymore and this is across the entire South East,” Mayor Noll said.

He was a decorated police officer for almost 40 years prior to his retirement in 2018. His remarks were made following the tabling of a letter about policing at Kalangadoo from South East Police Superintendent Campbell Hill.

Mayor Noll had earlier written to Police Commissioner Grant Stevens about the future of the Kalangadoo police station and residence which have been vacant for several years.

The Superintendent replied on behalf of Commissioner Stevens and explained the future of policing at Kalangadoo was dependent on the outcome of a review of country policing and a Premier’s task force.

Councillor David Walshaw said the wording in the police reply was nearly identical to other correspondence on this issue.

Cr Dale Price said the State Government had missed out on $90,000 if the Kalangadoo police residence had been rented out for the past six years rather than be unoccupied.

Cr Dennis Muhovics said the gardens at the Kalangadoo police residence were now being maintained.

Mayor Noll said he was disappointed that Commissioner Stevens had not written back to the council.

“The Kalangadoo community also feels that disappointment,” Mayor Noll said.

“They have had no contact with the Commissioner and it is impacting on the Kalangadoo community.”

The Mayor also acknowledged the lobbying efforts of members of the Kalangadoo community such as Jane Fetherstonhaugh.