Palmerston council revokes alcohol exemptions, bans drinking at Marlow Lagoon

PALMERSTON council has revoked the alcohol exemptions at Marlow Lagoon Reserve, banning drinking there in a bid to clean up anti-social behaviour in the area

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PALMERSTON council has stripped the only place exempt from alcohol restrictions, Marlow Lagoon Reserve, of its drinking rights in a bid to clean up anti-social behaviour in the area.

At Wednesday night’s council meeting, council decided to trial a four-month ban on alcohol in the reserve, running from November 2 to March.

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Palmerston director of lifestyle and community, Amelia Vellar, said it had become an increasingly common place for police to be called out to.

“Northern Territory Police report during the past 12 months they have attended Marlow Lagoon Reserve more than 300 times to respond to incidents being reported within the surrounding area,” she said.

“Marlow Lagoon Reserve is the sole location within the Palmerston municipality that has an approved exemption area for the consumption of alcohol.

“Northern Territory Police report that they have seen an increase in anti-social behaviour emanating from the location, with large groups becoming heavily intoxicated and causing disturbances within the area, leading to further anti-social type offending.”

Palmerston Council has voted to trial a four month alcohol ban at Marlow Lagoon recreational area after numerous police attendances. Picture: Che Chorley

It won’t completely remove alcohol from the area however, with provision of alcohol allowed at privately run events subject to a risk assessment and event plan being completed.

However locals said it was a perfect place to enjoy a drink at the end of the day or with a picnic on the weekend.

Palmerston resident Rosemary Torcetti said removing alcohol exemptions wouldn’t remove anti-social behaviour.

“If they’re going to drink they’re going to find somewhere else, wherever they can,” she said.

“I don’t think taking it away would make a difference. It just seems to be everyone suffering for a small minority of people.”

Amy Gunningham and Ryan Smith enjoy Marlows Lagoon with their pups Matilda and Banjo. Picture: Che Chorley

Amy Gunningham recently moved to the Top End with her partner Ryan Smith and said she thought four months was excessive for what looked to be a great place for the community.

“It just seems like such a shame to me considering this is one of the only places where you can do that, maybe they should trial it for a shorter period of time,” she said.

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“If you trial it for a shorter amount of time, people will see that (council) are serious.

“I think this place is wonderful. It’s the first time I’ve been here but it’s really beautiful and I think it should be open for everyone as they wish as long as they are behaving responsibly.”

The exemption meant alcohol could be consumed at Marlow Lagoon from 4pm to 10pm on weekdays and from 10am to 10pm on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays.

A review of the trial will be returned to council at the end of the four months of full restrictions.

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