University of Notre Dame Report released on impact of alcohol restrictions in Fitzroy Crossing

A new report released today gives a 12-month comprehensive picture of the changes that have occurred in Fitzroy Crossing since a restriction on the sale of take away alcohol was implemented on October 2, 2007.

Mental Health Minister Graham Jacobs said although some issues remained, the liquor restriction was having a positive effect on the community.

"There is no doubt that restricting the supply of alcohol in Fitzroy Crossing has benefited the community and many of the key services," he said.

"The Fitzroy Valley community is to be commended for addressing alcohol problems, and, it has inspired other communities to follow its lead.

"The report shows that restricting the availability of liquor is not a solution in itself.

"Other complementary strategies also need to be put in place.  This is reflected in some of the comments from the community members and services.

"But the improvements in the community were acknowledged by all and respondents believe that restrictions in some form are necessary, which is a positive step for the Fitzroy Valley.

"Clearly alcohol restrictions, as part of a broader plan, break the cycle of alcohol -caused misery in communities and provides an opportunity to heal."

The report by the University of Notre Dame on behalf of the Drug and Alcohol Office (DAO) found less street drinking, humbugging and anti-social behaviour occurring, as well as a reduction in the severity of injury from public and domestic violence.

"Other benefits include the fact that more food and clothing is being purchased, people are being proactive in terms of their own and their children's health and families are taking part in more recreational activities," Dr Jacobs said.

"Domestic violence is still occurring but it is now being reported more often, indicating a reduction in community tolerance for this behaviour.

"The severity of injury due to domestic violence has decreased considerably."

The report showed that people were still travelling around the Kimberley for a variety of reasons, but some were doing it more often since the introductions of liquor restrictions.

Some business owners expressed uncertainty about their future and some community members reported that more young people were being left with older relatives, while their parents went to the pub.

"We are now aware of a growing need for another mental health and another drug and alcohol treatment worker in Fitzroy Crossing to service the Valley community," the Minister said.

"At the moment two staff are located in Fitzroy Crossing doing this work and they are telling us that more and more people are now looking for help with alcohol related issues.

"In light of this we are looking at how to increase this capacity in the short term and then consider what a longer term solution might be as we continue to work with the community to provide the support they need."

Dr Jacobs presented the qualitative and quantitative report to the Fitzroy Crossing Alcohol and Other Drug Management Committee during his current visit to Fitzroy Crossing. 

The committee was established to focus on issues related to excessive alcohol and drug use and includes representatives from WA Police, DAO, WA Country Health Services, hotel licensees and local non-government organisations Nindilingarri Cultural Health Services, Marninwarntikura Women's Resource Centre, and Kimberley Aboriginal Law and Culture Committee, and the Fitzroy Futures Forum. 

A copy of the report is available from the DAO website: http://www.dao.health.wa.gov.au/IntheMedia/FitzroyValleyLiquorRestrictionReport/tabid/237/Default.aspx