Perth Voice Interactive

THE City of Perth will investigate a night-time park curfew following a rise in anti-social behaviour.

At the council’s recent ordinary meeting, deputy lord mayor Bruce Reynolds flagged the harsh measure in response to resident complaints about “disruptive and unsafe” behaviour in Wellington Square and Victoria Gardens.

“Issues such as public drinking, drug use, violence, excessive profanity and noise have led to widespread frustration over the lack of effective intervention,” Cr Reynolds said.

“Implementing night-time park restrictions could be a targeted enforcement approach that could provide an immediate solution to restore public safety and reduce disorderly behaviour.

“This would not prevent people from walking through the parks after 10pm, but it would prohibit camping and large congregations throughout the night.”

Cr Reynolds said he and CEO Michelle Reynolds met with police, Perth MLA John Carey and community members to discuss the issue.

Police had committed to tipping out alcohol, issuing move-on notices and having liquor enforcement units to crack down on bottle-os breaking the rules, while the WA government would extend its Return to Country program and expand cultural and health teams.

“The City has increased ranger patrols, surveillance monitoring and cleaning efforts, while also actively engaging with affected groups to collect intelligence and support police efforts,” Cr Reynolds said.

Cr Reynolds said his motion calling on the admin to investigate the park restrictions would also call on them to look at how to make reporting anti-social behaviour easier for residents to use.

East Perth resident Phillip Higgs raised concerns about broken glass and syringes near the new children’s playground, as well as urine and faeces through the park from people who weren’t using its toilets.

“In several years’ time there will be a primary school, I imagine,” Mr Higgs said.

“We do have to get on top of this now.

“God forbid, kids walking through there that a subject to bullying… drug taking.”

Problems in the city’s parks follows a recent weekend blitz on its roads by police, who busted 50 people for drink driving in Northbridge.

Additionally, nine drivers were caught not wearing a seatbelt, six were on their phones, and five were driving without a valid license. 

In the last six months, around 230 drivers have lost their licenses as a result of police “lockdowns” in Northbridge, Fremantle, Burswood, and Hillarys. 

“Drink driving and drug driving is one of the main contributing factors to fatal crashes,” senior sergeant Kym Mead from police breath and drug operations said.

The blitz came on the same night a Perth obstetrician is alleged to have killed a 24 year old woman while driving under the influence. 

Road Policing Command acting commander Mike Peters said the lockdowns extended into the early hours.

“If you think you can out-wait us, that’s not going to happen,” he said.

“We will be anywhere anytime and hopefully where you least expect us to be.”

by STEVE GRANT