Council’s plan to install CCTV and scrap alcohol-free zones

BALLINA councillors met for the last time in 2024, discussing items such as CCTV for the shire and re-instating alcohol-free zones.

Councillors found a scoping report prepared by Matryx Consulting confirmed the need to install CCTV in the shire. They resolved to write to the relevant State and Federal Government Ministers and local government representatives, seeking support for funding for the installation of CCTV cameras in Ballina Shire.

The council will also apply for funding for the project and include it as a priority project in the Budget and planning considerations in 2025.

Councillors also decided not to reinstate alcohol-free zones in the shire.

Mayor Sharon Cadwallader argued for the zones to be kept in place based on a verbal request by the Richmond Police District Superintendent Scott Tanner.

Cr Cadwallader said the zones gave police extra powers to move people on who were drinking in public and causing a nuisance.

Cr Kiri Dicker said the zones were no longer needed and excessive signage was visual pollution.

“I remember when these things were first introduced in the late 2000s, and at the time were a good policy. I remember there were huge issues with public drinking and alcohol-related violence at that time in Lennox Head, particularly around New Year’s Eve. There were thousands of people roaming the streets, drinking.”

She said that was more than 20 years ago, and they had served their purpose.

“Broader context around public drinking has changed. This policy has been left on set and forget mode. The policy on alcohol-free zones is clear that they are a short-term measure. It’s not needed anymore.”

Cr Meehan agreed that times and attitudes toward alcohol consumption had changed and the zoning was no longer needed.

“Behaviours are very different now. (The community) doesn’t need prohibition policies from our council,” Cr Meehan said.

Cr Cadwallader suggested the zones had a role to play in changing public perception.

“Maybe that’s the reason we have fewer instances,” she said. “If you’ve got no prohibitions, it’s a free-for-all.”

Most councillors agreed the zones were no longer needed and the existing Alcohol-Free Zones will expire on January 31, 2025.

Zoning will remain prohibiting alcohol consumption in parks and playgrounds between 10pm and 7am.