The Leeton Shire community is encouraged to provide feedback on the re-establishment of Alcohol-Free Zones (AFZs) in Leeton and Yanco for four (4) years, with the current AFZs set to expire on 1 April 2025.
Located primarily in the Leeton CBD and main streets of Yanco, these zones were established with the goal of addressing issues of unacceptable street drinking, enhancing community safety and improving public amenity.
“AFZs prohibit the consumption of alcohol in designated public areas, such as streets, footpaths and Council carparks and provide police with authority to enforce this prohibition. The zones have proven to be an effective tool in reducing alcohol-related anti-social behaviour,” explained Manager, Planning, Building & Health, Francois Van Der Berg.
“With the AFZs expiring on 1 April 2025, Council is now considering important evaluation criteria such as the factors that originally supported the establishments of the zones, the success of the zones in reducing unacceptable street drinking (including NSW Police statistics) and any additional measures that may complement the AFZs, such as community education programs,” said Mr Van Der Berg.
Council will also engage directly with local stakeholders including the NSW Police, local businesses and community groups to consider their feedback.
The community is invited to make a submission including on the effectiveness of the current AFZs, the ongoing need for the zones in the existing locations and any additional areas that should be included.
Maps showing the proposed alcohol-free zones can be found on the right-hand side of this page under 'Related Information'.
Should you wish to comment on the proposal you should provide a written submission to Council by 5.00pm on Tuesday 1 April 2025.
How do I provide feedback?
There are several ways to lodge a submission by:
- completing the survey on Council’s ‘Have Your Say’ online engagement portal at haveyoursay.leeton.nsw.gov.au
- sending your feedback via email to council@leeton.nsw.gov.au
- posting a letter to the General Manager, Leeton Shire Council, 23-25 Chelmsford Place, Leeton NSW 2705
Council is only accepting feedback in the form of written submissions for these documents on public exhibition.