COMMENTS by Shoalhaven Action Campaign council candidate Mark Hurley on a police station in southern Shoalhaven have sparked a strong reaction from the State Member.

Member for South Coast, Shelley Hancock has accused the Shoalhaven Action Campaign of being out of touch with the communities in ward three and ward two, particularly the residents of Sanctuary Point.

Her reaction came after Mr Hurley, a candidate in ward three, described her campaign to establish a 24-hour manned police station in Central Shoalhaven was a “beat up”.

“Mr Hurley has displayed that the Shoalhaven Action Campaign is out of touch with communities in the central Shoalhaven,” she said.

However, Mr Hurley said he maintained the issue was social and not about policing.

“SAC are anything but out of touch,” he said.

“This is not a policing issue. The kids have nothing to do.

“Shelley, as per usual, is causing a beat up. It is misleading and troublesome.”

At a local government level Mr Hurley said council should work towards addressing issues involving youth and the lack of infrastructure and public transport in the southern and central villages.

“Development happens and the infrastructure doesn’t stay in tune,” he said.

“The main thing that needs to happen is for council to look at public transport.”

But policing was a State issue, he said, and it was critical for all levels of government to work together to try to provide services for youth in the area.

Mrs Hancock has called on SAC candidates and Mr Hurley to apologise to central Shoalhaven communities and commit to joining her campaign for a fully manned station if elected.

In response Mr Hurley said SAC had nothing to apologise for.

“Policing issues are not a local government matter. Policing is a matter for State Government.

“As the number two running in ward three for SAC I believe it is the height of rudeness for us to be suggesting where police are required.

“Surely the NSW police have a list of where more policing is needed. It is not for us to get involved.”