The State Liberals are backing calls from residents and the Adelaide City Council for the city wide Dry Area to be extended to the southern parklands.
“When Council workers require a police escort to empty the bins in public parks it’s time for the State Government to step in and deal with the problem,” said Shadow Treasurer Rob Lucas.
“If Council workers require police protection to do their job surely residents and park users deserve the protection of a dry zone.
“The extension of the dry area to Parks 17-21 of the southern parklands is a sensible step to reduce the level of anti-social and criminal behaviour that is plaguing this part of Adelaide.
“It’s a tragic fact that addiction to alcohol is a significant cause in the high levels of violent and anti-social behaviour in the southern parklands.
“Simply hoping that the situation will improve of its own accord flies in the face of reality.
“Failure to control this type of behavior exposes hundreds of local residents and thousands of parkland users to unacceptable levels of risk.
“Many residents are intimidated by the rolling violence in the southern parklands and no longer feel safe to use the area.
“Families will be loath to take their children to the gardens and playgrounds of the southern parklands when they are likely to witness scenes of drunken violence.
“It’s unacceptable that public parklands end up as no go zones for the vast majority because of the misbehaviour of a small minority.
“The Weatherill Government needs to stop procrastinating and just ensure the Dry Area is declared.”