BINGE drinking, vandalism, graffiti and hooning in motor vehicles have been identified as problem areas for the region’s young people which should be addressed as part of the Bathurst region’s new community safety plan.
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During the community consultation process, it became clear there were safety concerns for specific generational groups, in particular children, youths and seniors. A persistent theme was the perceived vulnerability or increased safety risk of Bathurst’s children and youth (12 to 25 year olds).
Concern for the future of Bathurst’s children and youth was expressed by residents of all ages throughout the entire process. According to the plan, youth boredom was a key theme.
“The limited alcohol-free related entertainment options, especially on Friday and weekend evenings, was a consistent theme throughout the consultation process,” the plan states.
“Youth boredom was perceived to be linked to antisocial behaviour including vandalism, graffiti and erratic car driving (hooning).
“A perceived increase in the levels of violence, often inflicted by young people against each other, was also identified as detrimental to the personal safety of Bathurst’s young people.”
The plan notes that community stakeholders identified drugs and alcohol as contributing factors in incidents of violence in the area.
“Under-age drinking and binge drinking were also constant themes during stakeholder and community consultation,” the plan states.
“Community consultation revealed a high level of concern regarding under-age drinking at private parties and in public recreational areas. There was also concern regarding the related problem of drink driving, particularly in light of several car crashes in the area involving young male drivers in recent years.
“There was broad recognition amongst stakeholders that a culture of binge drinking among young people extended far beyond Bathurst’s boundaries.
“Nevertheless Bathurst residents were keen to tackle this problem at a local level, stating that the issue must be engaged in the home in addition to educational institutions, community organisations and the various levels of government.”