News

Dry Zones now established at West Lakes

18 July 2025

On 25 June 2025, Council received confirmation from the Minister and Consumer and Business Services that our application to implement continuous (24/7) Dry Areas at the major reserves in West Lakes was approved.

The update to legislation was included in the government gazette on 26 June 2025, and the Dry Areas came into effect on 1 July 2025.

These continuous (24/7) Dry Areas are consistent with others Council has implemented in the past: Dry Zones | City of Charles Sturt

In 2024, Council engaged with our community regarding the implementation of Dry Areas (dry zones) at major reserves in West Lakes.

These reserves are: Aquatic Reserve, Dotterel Reserve, Freshwater Lake, Inlet Reserve, Mariners Reserve, Neighbourhood Reserve, Oarsman Reserve, Settlers Reserve, Tiranna Reserve, and Trust Reserve.

These Dry Areas were proposed following concerns raised by the community regarding alcohol induced antisocial behaviour.

What happens now?

Council will be installing signs at prominent locations in the reserves to notify the public they are entering a Dry Area.

While Council will continue to respond to concerns raised by the community, it is important to direct any concerns relating to unsavoury or unsafe behaviour and alcohol consumption to SAPOL.

A Dry Area allows SAPOL greater powers in responding to these concerns.

As always, we encourage our residents and visitors to continue to use our reserves respectfully and mindfully of others.