Cobram community voices safety concerns at forum with police and council

By Owen Sinclair

Apr 1, 2025

About 20 local people met with police and Moira Shire Council staff at a safety forum on March 18. Photo by Rodney Braithwaite

Residents had the chance to raise their concerns over crime and safety at a community safety forum in Cobram.

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At least 20 community members met with representatives from Victoria Police and Moira Shire Council, including Cobram police unit Senior Sergeant Nathan Ractliffe, on Tuesday, March 18.

Sen Sergeant Ractliffe said it was encouraging to see as many community members taking part in discussions.

“We were very pleased with the response,” he said.

“Police can’t be everywhere, every time, and we’re relying on the community to be our eyes and ears to provide us with information so we can assist with community safety and reducing crime.”

Several issues figured prominently on the night:

The perceived prevalence of non-compliant e-scooters and riders without helmet.
The number of heavy vehicles using alternatives to Labuan Rd as rat runs.
The state of several large trees at a Cobram kindergarten.
The need for a 24-hour police presence in Cobram.

Discussions about the police consisted of two components: the need for a 24-hour police service, and the need to have a station fit for purpose.

The chances of the Moira Shire seeing a 24-hour police service in the next year were ‘pretty good’ according to Sen Sergeant Ractliffe.

“We’d love to see a 24-hour police station and service in Moira.

“We are working towards having a 24-hour police response.

“We’re going through the industrial relations and things like that so it can occur.”

On May 1, the Cobram police unit will hold a neighbourhood police forum to cover local drug-related crime, family violence and other matters at the Cobram Civic Centre.