4 April 2001

Dry Zone Commitments Must be Honoured -
Additional Commitment Still Required

“There is more to the “Dry Zone” decision than the lodging of an application for a dry zone to be declared,” says Mark Henley from UnitingCare Wesley Adelaide. “During the debate in Council, last night, a series of commitments were announced, the honouring of these commitments is all important to the effectiveness of a dry zone declaration.

The commitments given during the debate, in Council on 2nd April, included:

1. There will be funding from the State Government to establish a “stabilisation facility,” in the City, for people with alcohol dependency.
2. A set of support services will be implemented to provide supports for marginalised people who use the City.
3. The Premier’s Media Release stated “over the next month the Government proposes to hold a series of discussions with Adelaide City Council and all stakeholders involved – including the UnitingCare Wesley Adelaide and the Aboriginal Sobriety Group – on how the trial should proceed and what long term funding would be required if it was to become permanent”.
4. The 12 month trial will be fully evaluated, with criteria for evaluation set before the trial commences.

Given that Council adjourned as soon as the Dry Zone motion vote was taken, there are still significant decisions to be made once Council reconvenes.

“In particular, UnitingCare Wesley Adelaide calls on Council to declare Victoria Square a significant cultural site for the Kuarna people and to work with Aboriginal communities and their Elders to develop plans to embrace this cultural significance” said Mr. Henley.

 

For Further Comment
Mark Henley Senior Policy Officer	8202 5135 (w) 0404 067 011 (mob)