Labrador, Gold Coast: Parents in shock at slew of syringes in park

Parents and a councillor have been left shocked and disgusted at used syringes found in a family-friendly, water-side park.

Parents have been left shocked and abhorred by a slew of syringes found in a family-friendly, water-side park.

Mum Aleesha Freeman said she found four needles on the ground near the Ian Dipple Lagoon, Labrador about 4pm Wednesday - two used and two still in their packaging.

Ms Freeman disposed of them in a needle bin.

“The area is a family-orientated area with people walking around with no shoes on,” she told the Bulletin.

“I know I’d hate to step on one.”

The mum has called for more community hubs in the area for homeless people and those with dependency issues as well as increased police patrols.

“That area is a little intimidating in the evenings,” she said.

A police spokeswoman said a strong police presence was maintained across all areas of the Gold Coast and this was constantly being reviewed.

“The Gold Coast District has the discretion and flexibility to move its resources around as needed,” she said.

“Modern day policing is about having agility in service delivery. With the advent of technology, the focus is on having officers mobile on our streets and ready to respond at all times.

“Gold Coast City Council provides sharps disposal bins within toilet facilities at all public amenities. Residents are encouraged to report any illegal dumping to council.”

Councillor Ryan Bayldon-Lumsden. Picture Glenn Hampson

Division 7 Councillor Ryan Bayldon-Lumsden said it was “atrocious” that syringes were being discarded in public areas.

“It’s disgusting that people are doing these things in public spaces and they can’t be bothered or don’t care to use needle bins supplied on the foreshore,” he said.

“They’re putting kids, families and city cleaners who are there every morning at risk.”

Cr Bayldon-Lumsden urged anyone who spotted a needle in a public area to report it to the council so the issue could be monitored.

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Originally published as Labrador, Gold Coast: Parents in shock at slew of syringes in park