Australia Day celebrations in Port Macquarie-Hastings reserves and beaches will be alcohol-free in 2012.
Port Macquarie-Hastings Council will implement a 36-hour alcohol prohibition on public reserves and beaches for the duration of Australia Day following the successful implementation of restrictions this year.
Director of Community and Cultural Development Lesley Atkinson said it is unfortunate that anti-social behaviour and violence has become common behaviour on Australia Day in many coastal suburbs and towns.
“The behaviour has been directly linked to the consumption of alcohol and is often accompanied with racist and intolerant sentiments and undertones,” Ms Atkinson said.
Alcohol prohibitions were introduced this year following a number of incidents where anti-social behaviour and violence escalated in incidents at Town, Shelley and Rainbow beaches.
Council worked closely with local police to address the issue and alcohol prohibition was successfully introduced. As a result, police reported a significant decrease in reported assaults and alcohol-related crime at Australia Day events between 2010 and 2011.
The implementation of alcohol prohibition is in alignment with Council’s strategic direction to create an environment and culture that allows the Port Macquarie-Hastings community to feel safe.
