Alcohol free zones extended

Wyong Shire Council has agreed to extend an Alcohol Free Zone at Long Jetty.

The current zone takes in a block bordered by Toowoon Bay Road, Tuggerah Parade, Stella Street and Watkins Street.

It will now be extended south along The Entrance Road to encompass Surf and Swadling Streets, and a further section of Watkins Street.

“Council received correspondence from a resident requesting the zones be extended because of ongoing disturbance and vandalism in the area,” Council’s Acting Director of Corporate Services, Craig Bennett said.

“Under Section 644 of the Local Government Act, a Council may prepare a proposal for the establishment of an Alcohol Free Zone on its own motion or on the application of either a person who Council is satisfied represents an active community group; the police or a person who Council is satisfied lives and works in the area.”

Correspondence Council has received from the Tuggerah Lakes Local Area Command indicates the extension of the Long Jetty Alcohol Free Zone area will assist police in controlling anti-social behaviour.

“Council is all about creating a better environment for its residents,” Mr Bennett said.

“By extending the Zones following requests from Long Jetty residents, Council is endeavouring to minimise the disturbances to residents caused by drinking alcohol in public places.”

There are currently 25 Alcohol Free Zones in Wyong Shire.

These zones comprise either, or both, of the following areas:

• A public road or part of a public road
• A public place that is a car park or part of a car park.

“If the Zones are on Council owned land, an ordinance sign can be erected and enforced by our rangers,” Mr Bennett said.

Under guidelines, Council Rangers are not authorised to issue infringement notices for Alcohol Free Zones.

The Shire’s Alcohol Free Zones can be re-established from time to time, but the periods must not exceed three years.

The Extension of the Zone at Long Jetty will expire on June 30, 2009.

Members of the public have 30 days to object to the proposal once Council officially advertises the new Zones, within a fortnight.

A copy of the extended Zones will be forwarded to the Police and nearby clubs and liquor licensees, while Council will also advise the NSW Anti-Discrimination Board of the new proposals.

Media contact:Cameron Bell 0243 50 1667

Page last updated: 08/05/2008