By CAM LUCADOU-WELLS
DANDENONG Park is shedding its reputation as a drinking ghetto, according to Greater Dandenong councillors.
Mayor Jim Memeti said public drinking problems in Dandenong Park had been “cleaned up” by regular police and local-laws officer patrols in recent years, as well as a more family friendly redesign.
He said summer evenings saw the park swarming with families enjoying barbecues and a newly installed playground.
This popularity in turn leads to ‘safety in numbers’.
“That’s why we put the playground closer to the road than the old one and made it visible from all angles,” Cr Memeti said.
“It’s worked well. It’s so popular you can barely get a car park.”
He urged witnesses to report public drinking to the police.
“It’s shocking when someone in the community wants to do the right thing, has been a Good Samaritan and they’re attacked.
“It deters other people trying to help in those circumstances.”
Councillor Matthew Kirwan said he’d seen occasional public drinking on weeknights and weekends.
“Public drinking is still a significant problem in central Dandenong but it is in decline.
“Dandenong Park I see as a safe place to visit.”
Councillor John Kelly, who lives near the park, has also noticed less public drinking, though some imbibers still often linger in the sound shell.
“I have noticed it a bit there in the past and reported it regularly. I don’t see it any more.
“It’s vastly improved since the playground went in. The place is rocking and rolling with people there now.”
Community services director Mark Doubleday said drinking alcohol in municipal public places, including the park, was prohibited.
The council has also run a community education project called No Drinking Alcohol in Public Places including anti-public drinking signage in central Dandenong.
“There is a $1000 fine for drinking in public and fines generally are issued only after warnings are ignored or for repeat offences.”
