Proposed Alcohol-Free Zones and Alcohol Prohibited Areas are now on public exhibition. Photo: Shellharbour City Council.
Shellharbour residents are being asked to help shape the future of Alcohol-Free Zones (AFZs) and Alcohol Prohibited Areas (APAs), with a review of key public spaces now open for community feedback.
Unanimously endorsed for public exhibition at the 26 August Shellharbour City Council meeting and receiving strong support from Lake Illawarra Police District, it proposes the re-establishment of some existing zones, while others may be adjusted or newly introduced.
Every four years council reviews the zones to ensure they continue to meet the needs of the community, in line with relevant legislation and ministerial guidelines.
Council has developed the proposals with input from Lake Illawarra Police District and analysis of relevant data, including crime data, community views, licensed venue locations and site audits.
It’s aimed to help keep streets, parks and public spaces safe and welcoming by facilitating an early intervention measure to prevent the escalation of irresponsible drinking leading to incidents involving serious crimes, such as malicious damage, assault and offensive conduct.
Existing zones with proposed changes include Russell Street Community Precinct in Albion Park, Wattle Reserve in Barrack Heights, city centre area and Warilla CBD.
New areas proposed in the report include Albion Park Rail main street, Mount Warrigal reserves and Oak Flats CBD.
Councillor Rob Petreski said Senior Constable Sam Pearson addressed councillors prior to the meeting, emphasising that these zones were “crucial for community safety and cohesion” and provided police with formal powers to intervene where necessary.
“He said that the Alcohol-Free Zones and the Alcohol Prohibited Areas were an important tool to address the potential misuse and abuse of alcohol in public spaces,” Cr Petreski said.
“It gave police formal powers to intervene where necessary and it was a key part of a community-based approach to solving these problems.”
Cr Petreski said he echoed those sentiments, believing “everyone has a right to feel safe in our public spaces” through clear and consistent rules.
“The review of Alcohol-Free Zones and Alcohol Prohibited Areas is about protecting that right,” he said.
“This isn’t guesswork – the proposals are backed by strong police data, crime statistics and community feedback.
“These zones give police the tools to step in early and prevent anti-social behaviour before it escalates into serious crime.
“Safer public places means more families, more young people and more seniors can enjoy them with confidence.”
However, he said it didn’t stop anyone from enjoying a drink responsibly in their own home or private residence.
Mayor Chris Homer said community feedback was an essential part of the process.
“Alcohol-Free Zones and Alcohol Prohibited Areas are about making sure our public spaces can be enjoyed safely by everyone,” Cr Homer said.
“This review is an opportunity for the community to tell us if the proposed changes reflect their needs and experiences.
“I encourage everyone to take a look at what’s being suggested and share their views during the exhibition period.”
Residents, business and visitors can now have their say on the proposed changes and provide feedback through council’s Let’s Chat Shellharbour page.
Once the public exhibition period has ended, council will review community feedback and finalise the proposed AFZs and APAs by either adopting the zones or reporting back to council.
The AFZs and APAs will then be implemented and will apply until the next review in four years’ time, or sooner if required.
The review of Alcohol-Free Zones and Alcohol Prohibited Zones is on public exhibition until 26 September, with details on how to provide feedback on the Let’s Chat Shellharbour page.
