HASTINGS residents have been invited to have their say when it comes to drinking alcohol in public parks and reserves.
Port Macquarie-Hastings Council is currently reviewing its alcohol-free zone and is seeking feedback from the community before re-establishing the zone for a further four years.
The alcohol-free zone operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week and was established in 2007 to create a safe environment in which individuals can move about the CBD without interference from irresponsible drinkers.
The council’s strategy also includes restricting the consumption of alcohol on council-owned reserves and beaches from 9pm until 9am, with a 24-hour restriction on a number of larger reserves.
The Port Macquarie CBD area was the main hot-spot identified by police for alcohol-related crime in the Port Macquarie-Hastings local government area, and police report a positive impact as a result of enforcement of the existing alcohol-free zone.
This year two areas are being removed from the alcohol-free zone to enable them to become part of the council’s entertainment precinct for community groups, the Hay Street forecourt and Town Square.
To comment on the proposal, visit pmhclistening.com.au or email council@pmhc.nsw.gov.au before 22 August.
