By Christine de Kock
TRADERS concerned about illicit drug use in Footscray are urged to join the Maribyrnong Drug Strategy Reference Group.
Hands on Tools trader Casey van Engelen said drug use was a significant problem in Footscray and traders should support the Maribyrnong Council initiative to control the issue.
He said drug users and dealers were seen daily outside his Barkly Street shop.
“There is an increase in use,” he said.
“I see it all the time, dealers – users, kids walking past sniffing bags.
“It’s a terrible thing.”
Mr Van Engelen has worked as a trader in Footscray for the past month.
He previously ran Vangren Technology in Yarraville for 15 years. Before that he was a police officer for 23 years.
“Obviously when I was on the force I saw the effects of drug use,” he said.
“It has a serious affect on the community, socially and financially.
“If we can reduce the use of these illicit drugs, it would be of benefit to the community.”
Mr Van Engelen joined the Maribyrnong Drug Strategy Reference Group this month. He urged other traders to be come proactive on drug issue in the city of Maribyrnong.
“We all have a responsibility to do what we can for the community,” he said.
The reference group, formed in June, focuses on preventing and managing drug related issues in the City of Maribyrnong.
The coordinator of Safer Communities and Health Promotion for Maribyrnong Council, Lynley Dumble, said the group met more than four times a year and had representatives from local community groups who dealt directly with drug and alcohol issues.
The group’s terms of reference includes implementing a Maribyrnong Drug Strategy 20052006, advocating issues raised at the reference group to relevant agencies and liaising between the general community and drug service agencies to develop solutions to drug issues.
