BATHURST Regional Council could take inspiration from the Armada shopping centre to address the issue of scooters and skateboards in the central business district.
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Council will meet on Wednesday for the first time this year and on the agenda is the scooter and skateboard ban proposed in late 2020.
Since the idea was floated, council investigated the methods and processes of banning the devices from the CBD and a report with the findings has been prepared.
A key issue with a ban, with penalties that could include confiscating devices, is how to enforce it.
Under the Local Government Act, council can erect notices, but it has limited resources for enforcement.
"The issue with this relates to the where responsibility for enforcement lies," director of Cultural and Community Services, Alan Cattermole said.
"Police powers allow them to act on regulatory signs by local councils. Conversely, council rangers are fully committed to existing tasks and council is not currently resourced to enforce signage relating to the banning of scooters and skateboards.
"If council rangers are to be deployed for enforcing a scooter and skateboard ban, additional staff will be required."
Mr Cattermole said a ban "is unlikely to resolve" the issue of misbehaviour.
He made note of a diversionary program led by the police youth liaison officer with the support of Armada, which appears to be council's favoured option.
"It is recommended that council consider supporting the implementation of a diversionary strategy or program to target current behavioural issues which relate to the misuse of scooters and skateboards," he said.
The diversionary program run by the police and Armada, in conjunction with the PCYC, saw six youths banned by the shopping centre attend a five-week program.
Successful completion would see the ban lifted.
"Each session started with a discussion on issues such as the law, their behaviour and scooter use," Mr Cattermole said.
"The participants would then move on to activities including boxing and parkour with police and Armada staff also participating."
There was a "significant" decline in incidents being reported since the program was undertaken and the participants now leave their scooters and the centre office before entering Armada.
One youth, called the "ringleader of the group", is continuing to be heavily engaged with police and is receiving one-on-one case management.
"Armada have expressed an interesting in facilitating another program to target young people who are misusing scooters in the CBD," Mr Cattermole said.
"Armada have identified Chifley Police District , PCYC and council as key partner organisations. The program would incorporate life coaching sessions as well as training around improving scooter skills."
Council will have the opportunity to discuss the report on Wednesday night.
Mr Cattermole said a further report will be presented to council later outlining the outcomes of a meeting that council plans to hold with relevant stakeholders in the community regarding the diversionary program idea.
