SAPOL Update and Advocacy
Council has been in discussions with SAPOL regarding arrangements for an officer and police station in Cummins following changes over the past 2 years with the station being demolished and the permanent officer retiring from Cummins. SAPOL has advised that while plans were developed for a new two-person station (without a residence) at the time of the old station’s demolition, there is currently no State budget allocation for its construction.
Council worked closely with the Cummins & District Enterprise Committee and SAPOL to identify and secure a suitable location for a temporary police station in Cummins and we remain committed to ensuring that the officer has an appropriate base from which to operate and engage with the community. With confirmation of an appointment to a permanent officer to Cummins, funding for a new station has become the priority and letters of advocacy have been prepared for various parties / ministers.
Recognising that the establishment of a station in Cummins supports regional efforts and access to SAPOL that extend beyond the Cummins township, the Zone Emergency Management Committee which encompasses councils and agencies from across the region in recognition has offered a letter of support to Council in advocating for funding.
A template letter for community advocacy has been developed in conjunction with the Cummins & District Enterprise Committee which will be made available on a variety of platforms to facilitate community members in directly advocating for the appropriate funding in the upcoming State budget. We believe this investment is essential to ensuring long-term community safety, supporting regional growth, and providing a stable base for SAPOL operations on the Lower Eyre Peninsula. The letter can be found below and council recommend sending the letter to the following Ministers and department representatives:
Community Advocacy Letter - Funding for Cummins Police Station - August 2025
- Hon. The Hon. Stephen Mullighan MP: Treasurer.DTF@sa.gov.au
- Hon. Joe Szakacs MP, Minister for Local Government - minister.szakacs@sa.gov.au
- Hon. Emily Bourke, Minister for Emergency Services & Correctional Services Minister.Bourke@sa.gov.au
- Hon Tim Whetstone MP, Shadow Minister for Emergency Services chaffey@parliament.sa.gov.au
- Hon. Sam Telfer MP, Shadow Treasurer, Shadow Minister for Local Government flinders@parliament.sa.gov.au
- Assistant Commissioner Ian Parrott, SAPOL sapol@police.sa.gov.au