Council could consider alcohol bans
The Town of Port Hedland will consider cracking down on alcohol consumption in public parks if people continue to litter and abuse council property.
Port Hedland chief executive Mal Osborne said photos taken at Shay Gap Park last weekend and published on the North West Telegraph website reveal an undercurrent of disrespect amongst a minority in the community.
“It’s really disappointing that in this case a park has been left trashed and … we may need to reconsider how we allow our parks and reserves to be used,” he said.
“We don’t want to be in a position where we’re backed into a corner and have to police our parks so heavily that people are not able to enjoy the full use of those areas.
“However, we will continue to review and monitor the situation and if there are ongoing issues we will certainly consider (taking) a harder line.”
Mr Osborne said tougher penalties brought about by changes to WA’s Litter Act appear to have so far failed in deterring people from leaving behind rubbish.
People found guilty of littering can now face a fine of up to $5000 while an incorrectly disposed of cigarette butt can attract a $200 penalty.
“I went for a walk down at Pretty Pool Park last week and collected four Jack Daniels cans and a whole pile of takeaway food wrappings within 5 meters of the bins.
“I just don’t get it,” Mr Osborne said.
“What we’d like to see is an improvement in respect for our public property from everyone.”
South Hedland’s Melanie Greenfield, who took the photos at Shay Gap, said she had stopped taking her 2-year-old son to the park because she feared for his safety.
On the day the photos were taken, Mrs Greenfield said she spent 45 minutes helping another family clean up the “disgrace” because there was to be a child’s birthday party there that afternoon.
“Bins need to be erected near the playground, signs need to be erected requesting individuals take their rubbish with them, and the CCTV needs to be monitored more closely,” she said. “If people are seen to be just sitting in the park drinking, then the police need … to move these people on immediately.
“It’s the behaviour of a few individuals in this town that are not doing the right thing by the next person which is letting everyone down.”
Mr Osborne strongly encouraged anyone who witnessed littering to report it to police or council staff.
“If people can provide evidence of the culprits that would be even better because then we will certainly look to take action,” he said.
