Published on Wednesday, 30 October 2024 at 1:21:16 PM
With summer nearly upon us again, bringing with it an anticipated increase in patronage of our outdoor spaces, the Town and other local stakeholders have been working to put measures in place so our community can enjoy John Macmillan Park and the surrounding precinct safely.
(For past info on the Town’s collective impact approach to antisocial behaviour in the park, see our previous updates: June 2023, Dec 2023).
Alcohol-Free Zone
One key measure taking effect from today 1 November is the enacting of an Alcohol-Free Zone for the precinct, with signs to be erected in the park to this effect.
What does that mean?
An alcohol-free zone is a designated area where the consumption of alcoholic beverages is prohibited. Alcohol-free zones are commonly established in settings such as parks, schools, workplaces and public events to foster a respectful and responsible environment, reduce alcohol-related incidents and ensure a positive experience for all individuals present.
While public drinking is already a criminal offence in WA, the Alcohol-Free Zone establishes a no-exceptions ban for the whole community and extends from individuals using the precinct to organised events and gatherings.
No Town-run or sponsored events, and no community events or organised gatherings in the precinct may serve alcohol for consumption in the precinct. The Alcohol-Free Zone additionally extends to events inside and outside of the Library and LeisureLife facilities, as well as community-operated facilities.
For the purposes of the Alcohol-Free Zone, the John Macmillan Precinct is outlined as below:
For more information, visit the park listing and information for John Macmillan Park.
Other safety initiatives
WA Police has advised the Town that it will again be undertaking a targeted approach and dedicating extra resources to the John Macmillan precinct during the warmer months.
While the nature of these operations is too sensitive to list, WAPOL has indicated there will be increased patrols, supported by a raft of other measures.
The Town will also continue to staff the Library with security guards during peak periods, and will be implementing ramped up patrols of community outreach officers to provide appropriate assistance to those experiencing homelessness or hardship and connect them with services. The team also aims to help build respectful and meaningful relationships within our community.
Reports of individuals rough sleeping in the area will continue to be addressed via the Department of Communities’ HEART team and through application of the Town’s Homelessness Management Practice in concert with our Rangers team. This approach seeks to treat all community members with empathy and respect, and address cases of homelessness in a humanistic manner.
For those who wish to organise formal gatherings or events, hire of John Macmillan Park continues to be free for the community, and the Town looks forward to continuing to activate the space throughout the warmer months for the benefit of all. Keep your eyes peeled for a special Community Safety Day event in the new year, which will seek to connect community members with the organisations and agencies which look out for them, all in a fun family setting with heaps of activities for the kids.
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