Northern beaches’ worst street drinking hotspots revealed
The northern beaches’ worst street drinking hotspots, where police have to deal with assaults and anti-social behaviour, have been revealed as the council is set to debate extending some alcohol-free zones.
Manly
Don't miss out on the headlines from Manly. Followed categories will be added to My News.
Street drinking hotspots on the northern beaches linked to assaults, anti-social behaviour and property damage have been revealed.
And the worst?
The bus stop outside Warringah Mall shopping centre at Brookvale.
Documents provided to Northern Beaches Council ahead of debate to extend or re-establish 19 alcohol-free zones (AFZ) named the busy bus interchange on Pittwater Rd as having a “high number of police incidents”.
Local police are now urging the council to keep the transport hub, which includes a 24-hour B-line stop, as an alcohol-free zone.
They can only be established for public roads and parts of public roads, such as footpaths, and public carparks. The AFZs are separate from alcohol prohibited areas, which are applicable in parks, reserves and beaches.
The council was considering removing the AFZ status at the bus stop.
In a letter, to be tabled at Tuesday’s council meeting, Northern Beaches Police commander John Duncan revealed there had been more than 40 incidents including assaults, street offences, drug detections and property damage, “many linked to alcohol” at the Warringah Mall stop since the start of 2023.
“Police support the initial assessment provided by council for all 19 alcohol free zones, however, also believes the Brookvale/Warringah Mall bus stop should remain as an AFZ,’’ Supt Duncan advised the council.
“If this location does not have an AFZ, there are concerns that it will lead to an increase in alcohol-related incidents, compromising public safety, additional strain on law enforcement and a negative impact on community wellbeing given the areas’ high usage by the community”.
The council will vote on a motion to put the proposed re-established and extended AFZs out for public feedback. They would be in place for the next four years.
Other “inappropriate” street drinking hotspots named in the AFZ assessment summary provided to the council included near the ferry wharf at Church Point.
“Thomas Stephen Reserve and the (Church Point) boardwalk areas are subject to long term complaints regarding outdoor drinking and alcohol related anti-social behaviour,” the document stated.
Sections of Dee Why were also named.
“Police data indicates that public use of some sectors of the existing AFZ has been compromised by street drinkers … in particular Oaks Ave, Howard Ave, The Strand and Pittwater Rd.
“The areas around Walter Gors Park and the Dee Why B-line bus stop are also indicated.”
Freshwater Reserve, behind the beach, was named as having “been compromised by street drinkers” during the past three years.
Manly’s CBD and surrounding streets were also named.
“Manly has high levels of street drinking and alcohol related anti-social behaviour has been occurring throughout the AFZ,” according to the document.
Sections of Mona Vale, including an area near the Seabeach Gardens retirement village, which has had issues with youths drinking in a nearby reserve at night, were also named.
The Wellington St carpark, on the banks of Narrabeen Lagoon was also described as a hotspot.
Thousands more homes slated for Sydney beachside strips
A call has gone out to fix chronic transport woes as new planning rules mean thousands more flats, townhouses and terraces will be built in town centres on the northern beaches.
‘Best foot forward’: Standouts as NSW Waratahs U20s complete special Reds double
The coach singled out some special players for mention as the Waratahs under 20s completed a special double against the Queensland Reds in front of Aussie selectors. Stars, result wrap.