The consultation is closed.
We will review all feedback and prepare a Community Engagement Outcomes Report. The engagement findings and next steps will be shared on this page, and direct updates sent to page followers and participants of the engagement who provide an email.
What's happening?
In response to community concerns we are recommending several open space areas surrounding the Ovingham underpass, including adjacent paths and roads, are made Dry Zones, or "Dry Areas". Dry Zones are alcohol-free areas.
We are inviting community feedback on each of the respective areas becoming permanent Dry Zones (24/7).
The areas nominated to become Dry Zones are:
- Napier Reserve, Renown Park - including Ovingham underpass area and adjacent paths and roads
- Chief Street Reserve (under construction), Brompton - including adjacent paths and roads
- Drayton Street Reserve (under construction), Bowden - including adjacent paths and roads
- Parfitt Square, Bowden
Jump to Share your views to skip to the feedback form. Be sure to share your feedback before 5pm Tuesday, 11 November 2025.
Map of Dry Zone areas
Why are Dry Zones planned?
Recent and increasing anti-social behaviour in and around the Ovingham Underpass area, also known as "Karrarendi Yerta Kadla", and the Ovingham Railway Station led to a recommendation to implement Dry Zones in this area.
At the Ordinary Council Meeting on 22 September, Council heard from concerned residents and noted a community petition seeking support from the City of Charles Sturt and the City of Prospect in addressing increasing anti-social behaviour in public areas around Ovingham. At this meeting, Council supported an application to establish Dry Zones at the Ovingham Underpass/Karrarendi Yerta Kadla.
Before we make an application to establish Dry Zones near the Ovingham underpass, we need to understand community views to ensure we have considered any relevant matters.
More information about these concerns and our response thus far can be found on Council's Latest News webpage.
Questions & Answers
Other ways to share
Dry Zone Frequently Asked Question
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 in problematic areas known to have negative, antisocial or illegal, alcohol-related behavioural issues.
Dry Zones are intended to help SAPOL mitigate and manage these negative alcohol-related issues. They also help to reduce impacts on the amenity of public areas and public safety caused by the misuse of liquor. Reasons for their introduction range from public nuisance/drunkenness to anti-social and unsafe behaviour on public places.
The South Australian Police (SAPOL) are responsible for monitoring and enforcing Dry Zones.
Dry Zones are required to be clearly sign posted. There is also additional information available on our website: Dry Zones | City of Charles Sturt
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 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.
You can find more information through Business and Consumer Services here.
