WENTWORTH Shire Council is investigating use of closed-circuit television cameras in an attempt to curb “disgusting” behaviour in the town.
Councillors were this week told concerns had been raised about an increase in anti-social behaviour in and around the Wentworth swimming pool and skate park.
At their regular monthly meeting on Wednesday, councillors were considering a police request that they explore establishing an alcohol-free zone in Beverley Street, where the pool and skate park are closely situated.
An alcohol-free zone exists in Wentworth, primarily fronting the Darling River and on public or Crown land bounded by Darling, Helena, Adams and Adelaide streets.
Wentworth Shire general manager Ken Ross told councillors that police had requested the amendment to the Beverley Street zone to alcohol-free and he was continuing to review the need for CCTV, given social behaviour issues.
Mr Ross said there was $40,000 in grant money available should the council wish to pursue the matter and there was also a possibility of realigning the council’s budget priorities to further support the installation of CCTV in the town.
“We’re fairly active in this space of trying to put things in place to curtail certain mannerisms and behaviours in the public,” Mr Ross said.
Cr Susan Nichols said that if established in the town, a monitor to view behaviour in public places would likely need to be at a council facility because Wentworth police did not have the facilities available.
“The behaviour of some people, quite frankly, is disgusting,” she said.
“And it’s not only children it’s (also) older people.”
In a report tabled at this week’s meeting, council health and planning director Matthew Carlin said the addition of an alcohol-free zone applied to the area would provide additional protections for the health and safety of residents and give NSW Police better regulatory control when addressing those issues.
“Alcohol-free zones enable the safe use of these roads, footpaths and carparks without interference from street drinkers,” Mr Carlin said.
“The establishment of alcohol-free zones is an important measure used to curtail irresponsible behaviour by individuals on the streets throughout the year, thereby promoting the feeling of safety in public places.
“They should primarily be near outlets supplying alcohol where drinkers congregate.
“The irresponsible consumption of alcohol on roads and footpaths and in public carparks can compromise their safe use by members of the public without interference.”
Mr Carlin said each individual zoning should be considered according to its particular circumstances.
Councillors agreed to undertake public consultation on the addition of an alcohol-free zone at the Wentworth Swimming Pool and Skate Park until June 30, 2022.
