‘It’s not the alcohol that’s the issue’: Mindil Beach ‘all quiet’ after Darwin counil brings in booze ban
Disrespectful behaviour at Mindil Beach was quelled ahead of Thursday night’s tourist market opening, after alcohol was banned in the area by Darwin Council.
Northern Territory
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DISRESPECTFUL behaviour at Mindil Beach was quelled ahead of Thursday night’s tourist market opening, after alcohol was banned in the area by Darwin Council on Tuesday night.
Larrakia Nation Robert Cooper said Mindil Beach had long been an important location for Indigenous Territorians.
“We were aware the decision was pending, the Larrakia people consider Mindil beach to be a very special place in terms of historically watching the sunset,” he said.
“There’s photos form 100 years ago watching the sunset, there’s been burials and births there.”
Mr Cooper said patrols were at Mindil yesterday ahead of the market opening as part of routine inspections, helping to clean up after reports of fighting in the area with hopes an alcohol ban outside of the markets and special events would maintain it is a clean and safe place.
“It’s not the alcohol that’s the issue it’s the disrespectful behaviour that’s the issue,” he said.
“If people can be on that site and behave properly we don’t have a problem … to see it affected by visitors is disappointing.
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“I don’t know what other decision could have been made, we’re certainly support any action to reduce disrespectful behaviour on Mindil.”
Darwin Lord Mayor Kon Vatskalis said the area was cleaned by council rangers ahead of Thursday night’s market opening and was confident the behaviour wouldn’t interrupt the markets.
“Rangers out there every morning, not only that but also when we get a complaint by the public,” she said.
“People deserve a peaceful place where they don’t have to walk on glass.
“When people are there, nothing happens because these people go away. When nobody’s there they come up and drink.”
Originally published as ‘It’s not the alcohol that’s the issue’: Mindil Beach ‘all quiet’ after Darwin counil brings in booze ban
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