Gunnedah Shire Council has endorsed the retention of Alcohol-Free Zones and Alcohol Prohibited Areas declarations in the Gunnedah Central Business District for a further four years under the NSW Local Government Act 1993.
Chair of the Gunnedah Shire Crime Prevention Working Group Cr Colleen Fuller has welcomed the retention of the declarations which have been in place in Gunnedah for more than 18 years.
"These declarations have successfully supported a broad array of collaborative approaches to making our community safe and preventing alcohol-related crime and anti-social behaviour in the Gunnedah CBD and entertainment precincts," Cr Fuller said.
"The identification of appropriate locations is a result of consultations with the Gunnedah Liquor Accord, NSW Police, Red Chief Local Aboriginal Land Council, community stakeholders and the Gunnedah Crime Prevention Working Group."
Council's Director Planning and Environmental Services, Andrew Johns said: "Council currently maintains 12 Alcohol Free Zones on footpaths, public roads and car parks within the CBD, with two Alcohol Prohibited Area declarations in place for the Wolseley Park Reserve inclusive of the grandstand, oval, Livvi's Place Inclusive Playground and Brocks Court and surrounds, and Kitchener Park Reserve inclusive of the grandstand, oval and surrounds.
"The renewal of these declarations until 30 June 2028 serves as a timely reminder that the consumption of alcohol is prohibited in these areas 24/7.
"User groups, sporting clubs, and community organisations wanting to stage alcohol-related events in those areas, must apply to Council at least three months in advance to seek a temporary suspension of the declaration for the duration of that event. Under the NSW Local Government Act 1993, suspensions can only be done via a resolution of Council, and on conclusion of a 28-day public exhibition period. Without the suspension, the consumption of alcohol in those spaces is an offence and subject to police enforcement."
