By Andrew Starke
The Kimberley Aboriginal communities of Yakanarra and Bayulu will be declared restricted areas under section 175 of the Liquor Control Act 1988.
Western Australia Racing and Gaming minister, Terry Waldron, who visited the communities, said when the regulations were in place it would be an offence to sell/supply, possess or bring liquor into the community.
“Recently, members of the Yakanarra community wrote to me asking for the introduction of regulations under section 175 of the Act to prohibit alcohol in Yakanarra,” he said.
“In their letter, the community representatives said they considered these restrictions the most effective way of reducing the amount of alcohol-related harm and ill-health in the community.”
Waldron said a section 175 restriction would also be introduced at Bayulu, another Fitzroy Valley community.
Liquor licensees breaching the restrictions would be liable for a $5,000 fine, while all other people in breach of the restrictions would face a $2,000 fine.
The restrictions give police the power to seize and dispose of opened or unopened liquor containers throughout the community.
The proposal to make the two communities restricted areas was supported by WA Police and the Shire of Derby-West Kimberley.
The regulations needed to implement the bans are currently being prepared.