Melton residents launch petition for new police station to be built
Fears loom that Melbourne’s booming western suburbs could be left scrambling without enough police resources amid a population — and crime — boom.
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Residents in one of Victoria’s biggest growth corridors fear their safety has been neglected during a sharp crime increase, with calls for additional police stations in Melbourne’s west set to reach the halls of parliament.
More than 1000 people have signed a petition — set to be tabled in the Legislative Assembly — which has called for the state government to build third police station in the rapidly
growing City of Melton, which is on track to be as big as Geelong by 2046.
The petition has called for a station to be built in the 28km corridor between Melton and Tarneit, covering suburbs like Mount Atkinson, Thornhill Park and Cobblebank.
The only stations within the LGA are in Melton (the suburb) and Caroline Springs, the latter of which is not open 24 hours.
Melton City councillor Dr Phillip Zada — who started the petition while campaigning prior to being elected — said at the April council meeting the area was a big gap when it came to police presence.
“This is about planning ahead ... Mount Atkinson ward is one of the fastest growing areas in Melbourne,” he said.
“A new station isn’t about favouring one area over another it’s about relieving stretched resources across Melton and Caroline Springs and future proofing public safety as our city expands.”
Dr Zada raised a motion at the April council meeting to write to the Police and Emergency Services Minister to request “urgent planning” of a new station.
The petition was sponsored by Labor member for Melton Steve McGhie.
Cobblebank and Thornhill Park are 4km and 9km away from Melton police station, respectively, while Mount Atkinson is 6km the from the Caroline Springs station.
Melton City has a population of about 200,000 people, with this projected to surge past 350,000 in about a decade.
Thefts from within motor vehicles were among the most recorded offences in Melton last year, increasing by 56 per cent from the previous year.
Total recorded offences increased by nearly 20 per cent in the year to December 2024.
The petition has also advocated for increased police staffing at Melton and Caroline Springs
But despite this push Acting Inspector Pat Cantone, of Melton local command, said there were “no current plans” for an additional station.
“Victoria Police has been very open about our current staffing challenges, with resources continuing to be committed towards offending causing the most community harm,” he said.
“Melton and Caroline Springs Uniform Police are well supported by our Criminal Investigation Units, Proactive Policing Unit, Crime Reduction Team and Highway Patrol.
“We also have support from Transit Police and the Public Order Response Team on a regular basis.
“Existing police stations are located within less than 10km of Cobblebank, Thornhill Park and Mount Atkinson.”
In recent years more than 3,600 new police officers have been sworn in, including 129 at the Brimbank division which serviced Melton
A Victorian Government spokeswoman said the location of police stations was determined by Victoria Police.
“Our police work around the clock to protect and serve people across the state,” she said.
“We’ll always support that work with stronger laws, more resources and more powers to catch offenders.”
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