The Police Association yesterday revealed the State Government had slashed vacant jobs at Traralgon, Moe and Morwell police stations.

A spokesperson for Police Minister Bob Cameron did not respond to calls from The Express to confirm the cuts.

It is believed Traralgon and Morwell have lost two police positions each and Moe has lost one.

Union secretary Senior Sergeant Greg Davies said the move was ``extraordinary'' as the three stations were ``already at breaking point''.

``In fact recent independent research undertaken by the highly respected National Institute of Economic and Industry Research has revealed that Latrobe needs an additional 17 police officers to provide an adequate, visible and proactive policing presence in its communities,'' Snr Sgt Davies said.

``Unfortunately this decision was not unexpected as police vacancies are being cut all over the state.

``These vacant positions were previously occupied by police officers and should again be filled to provide a badly needed boost to frontline police numbers in Latrobe.

``Failure to do so exacerbates the impact that staff shortages already have on the morale of police officers and on their health and safety.''

The move has angered Nationals MLA for Morwell Russell Northe who also believes police resources need to be increased.

``We do require additional police resources with the Latrobe Valley court complex expanding and the Traralgon entertainment precinct,'' Mr Northe said.

``I will be writing to the police commissioner outlining the concerns of myself and the community in relation to this decision.

``On the whole, our police do a superb job in the Latrobe Valley region and it's imperative we provide them with resources so they may undertake their role in the best possible way.''

Latrobe Acting Superintendent Chris Major did not wish to comment on the job cuts.