MOUNT Gambier City Council is seeking community opinion on the continuous extension of five individual dry area zones across the city.
Dry zones in the City Centre, Vansittart Park gardens and oval, Dimjalla Park and A F Sutton Memorial Park will all expire in November this year.
Council is required to make an application to Consumer Business Services (CBS) for approval to extend its existing long term dry area zones beyond the expiry date.
City Council senior planner Simon Wiseman said continuous dry areas save council time and resources by removing the need to reapply every five years.
“A dry area is a declared area where the consumption, and/or possession of alcohol is prohibited,” Mr Wiseman said.
“The CBS now offers continuous dry areas which are ongoing and do not expire after five years as they have previously.
“The purpose of dry area legislation is to curb alcohol-related problems in public areas such as reserves, shopping precincts and car parks.”
A continuous dry area is considered permanent unless otherwise notified by Council.
The Licensed Premises Accord, a collaborative community group coordinated by City Council with representatives including liquor licensees, police, security and sporting clubs are unanimous in their support of an application for continuous dry area zones.
“Ongoing enforcement and education of the legislation covering the Dry Areas has been an important aspect in policing strategies which have seen a significant reduction in anti-social behaviour and reduction of crime in the designated areas over a long period,” Senior Sergeant Chris King said.
As part of the application process, council has invited community consultation regarding the proposal to seek to have the five current dry area declarations extended as continuous dry areas.
Visit www.haveyoursaymountgambier.com.au for further information and to have your say.
Public comments are to be received by 5pm on September 18.
