At its January Ordinary Meeting the Alice Springs Town Council recognised there have been a number of positive improvements since the introduction of the Liquor Supply Plan, yet despite this community concerns linked to the changes have been increasing in volume.

Council has chosen to clearly represent the community of Alice Springs, and will be urging the NT Licensing Commission to consider the Liquor Supply Plan’s impact on anti-social behaviour and litter volume.

“Community concern regarding increased anti-social behaviour is connected to reports of people now drinking in the vicinity of licensed take-away premises in suburban areas. As a Council we feel the Licensing Commission should consider this in their upcoming review of the plan, as well as ensure Alice Springs has adequate police to enforce the 2km law,” said Mayor Fran Kilgariff.

In addition to reports of anti-social behaviour, litter amounts have increased considerably in some areas, and managing its removal is growing more and more difficult. As such the NT Government will be asked to financially compensate Council for some of the increased costs in the removal of this litter.

“Given the litter increase is mainly shattered glass on roads and bicycle paths, our current street sweeper cannot effectively remove it. The increased build up on and around paths and roads is growing more and more hazardous to pedestrians and cyclists alike,” said Mayor Fran Kilgariff.

Council has investigated, and will be purchasing a more suitable street sweeper that also acts as a vacuum, to more effectively remove unwanted litter and glass.

“This purchase comes at a considerable cost to Council and we feel some compensation should be paid by the NT Government. The new sweeper is required simply as a result of the increase in glass and litter since the Liquor Supply Plan was put into effect,” said Mayor Fran Kilgariff.

The Alice Springs Town Council will be in contact with the Northern Territory Licensing Commission and hope that the wider community’s concerns are taken into consideration.

For further information contact:

Mayor Fran Kilgariff (08) 8950 0525 or 0419 376 060

ASTC Chief Executive Officer Rex Mooney (08) 8950 0525 or 0427 161 956

ASTC Media Officer Fionn Muster (08) 8950 0546 or 0417 884 449