Consultation will open soon!

In November 2025, we will be inviting community comment on a proposal to make several reserves (and surrounds) in Ovingham a Dry Zone (Dry Area).

If this proposal interests you, click the "+ Follow" button near the top of the page. You will then be notified by email at the time community consultation starts. If you haven't registered with "Your Say Charles Sturt" before, you will be prompted to join - all you need to do is create a username and password and enter your email and your postcode. It's simple and only takes a minute.

Background to the Ovingham Dry Zone Proposal

Council is aware of the concerns of our residents and community about the anti-social behaviour at the Ovingham Underpass/Karrarendi Yerta Kadla near Ovingham Railway Station.

These are complex issues which need holistic solutions, and we have been working proactively to address the concerns of our community, combining public safety measures with equity and cultural sensitivity.

We have been working with SAPOL, City of Prospect, outreach teams, local services and agencies on strategies and actions to best support our community, not just now but into the future.

Proactive measures in place include:

  • Increased proactive cleaning
  • Additional monitoring of nearby facilities
  • Regular staff engagement with residents, businesses, and community members
  • Collaboration with government agencies, community services, and cultural leaders
  • Investigation into sustainable safety improvements
  • Activation of the reserve with positive community use
  • Ensuring appropriate support is available for people in need

The proposed Dry Zone areas are Napier Reserve (and surrounds), nearby pocket parks (currently being developed) and Parfitt Square.

More information can be found here.

What about the City of Prospect side?

We have been working closely with the City of Prospect in this space and are aware they are also pursuing Dry Zones for the relevant reserve(s) within their boundaries.

Understanding Dry Zone Legislation

Section 131 of the Liquor Licensing Act 1997 provides for the prohibition, by notice in the Government Gazette, of the consumption or possession of liquor in a specified public place, or a public place of a specified kind. The prohibition may be absolute or conditional and may operate continuously or at specified times.

The purpose of the dry area legislation is to curb alcohol related anti-social and unsavoury behaviour in public areas such as reserves, main shopping precincts, car parks and foreshores. Dry zones assist to preserve areas for family enjoyment and recreation, free from intimidation or disturbance from persons affected by alcohol.

Dry area prohibitions can be made for a short term to cover one-off major events such as New Year’s Eve, or for an ongoing period.

All applications for a dry area are made by local councils to Consumer and Business Services. Councils applying for a dry area are required to submit a detailed description and plan of the proposed area as per the dry area guidelines.

Community views are represented in addition to letters of support from the Local Member of Parliament and local Police.

Frequently Asked Questions

A dry zone is an area regulated by legislation, either on a long term or short-term basis, where the consumption of alcohol or possession of an open container of alcohol is illegal. Dry Zones are also known as Dry Areas.

Dry Zones are usually imposed to assist with unsavoury alcohol related behaviour within areas where such problems arise.

Their purpose is to control any negative impact to the amenity of public areas directly resulting from behaviour and/or related community problems through the misuse of liquor. Reasons for their introduction range from public nuisance/drunkenness on public places.

At present it is not believed that alcohol consumption or associated social behaviour warrants a total jurisdictional Dry Zone across the entire City. The intention of long-term regulations is to ensure that popular areas used for family enjoyment and recreation are free from intimidation or disturbance from persons affected by alcohol.

Parks, reserves, beaches, roads, public thoroughfares, and other public places.

Dry Zones are enforced by SA Police.

Dry Zones are required to be clearly sign posted. There is also additional information available on our website: Dry Zones | City of Charles Sturt

Dry area prohibitions cover over twenty local government areas across South Australia and there are more than 80 long-term dry zones throughout the State. A full listing of dry areas in South Australia is available here.

Individuals will be allowed to carry alcohol through a Dry Zone as long as the alcohol is closed/ sealed, and they can reasonably prove they are moving through the Dry Zone.

Yes. You can apply for a short-term liquor license from Business and Consumer Services. Depending on the size and type of event, these licenses cost from $110.00 and can be relatively quick to process. We recommend you review the information available here.

You can find more information through Business and Consumer Services here.