With twice the State average of alcohol consumption, the Shire of Broome in Western Australia decided to develop a policy to minimise problems stemming from alcohol abuse.
Council’s Community Development Unit, which oversees the policy, coordinated a community response to the problem. This led to the development and implementation of a comprehensive action plan.
The policy sets out guidelines for the granting of liquor licences in accordance with the aims of providing safe amenity for all the residents of Broome. The picturesque holiday destination supports a population of 12,000 people rising to 25,000 during the dry season.
By tackling the problem directly Council believes Broome will become an even better place for those who live, work or visit there. Community Development Officer Lyn Devereux said that in the 12 months since the policy has been operating there has been a marked reduction in demands on health care providers for alcohol related causes.
There has also been a reduction in police time spent on alcohol related incidents. Complementing the policy is an Accord between local liquor licensees, police and the Kimberley Public Health Unit.
Partners in the Accord meet monthly, together with representatives from Local Government and other organisations with an interest in the problem. These include the Marndu Jarndu Women’s Refuge, the Kimberley Alcohol and Drug Unit, the Millya Rumurra Detoxification and Counselling Centre and the Kullari Patrol.
“It is vital, for a strategy such as this to work, to have all stakeholders involved and meeting regularly to discuss new issues as they arise,” Lyn Devereux said.
Innovations under the Accord include a ban on the sale of four litre casks of wine which, having a high sugar level, contribute to high levels of diabetes particularly among the Indigenous community.
The Accord partners also developed the performance indicators to measure the effectiveness of the policy and associated activities. With these indicators providing evidence that the strategy is working well, the program is now the subject of a study, conducted by consultant to the Local Government Community Services Association Jackie Ohlin, to benchmark best practice in the management of alcohol related problems.
For further information contact Lyn Devereux, telephone (08) 9192 1202.
