Oombulgurri is set to become a dry community under a State Government plan to introduce a total alcohol ban in the remote Kimberley community.
Racing and Gaming Minister Terry Waldron today announced that a legislated alcohol ban would come into effect at Oombulgurri on Saturday, November 8.
Mr Waldron said after reviewing the consultation undertaken by the previous government, he was convinced the strategy represented the best way forward for the troubled community.
"The consultation with the Police, the Shire of Wyndham-East Kimberley and the Oombulgurri Community Council members undertaken by the previous Minister has left me in no doubt that section 175 (1) (a) regulation can act as a circuit breaker and provide a pathway to overcoming the terrible dysfunction in Oombulgurri," he said.
"There is no denying the devastating effect entrenched alcohol abuse is having on the residents of the community.
"I believe the Oombulgurri Council has been given every opportunity to agree on a revised alcohol management plan, but this has not occurred and I am not convinced the council has the will to voluntarily embrace the changes in alcohol management needed to achieve a healthy environment for its people."
Mr Waldron said Coroner Alastair Hope's recent report into five Aboriginal deaths at Oombulgurri highlighted the dreadful circumstances that women and children were forced to endure in a community ravaged by alcohol abuse.
"The evidence presented in Coroner Hope's report has made it clear that this ban is required, and I am hopeful that by removing the alcohol, the residents of Oombulgurri might have some chance for a better quality of life," he said.
Section 175 (1) (a) of the Liquor Control Act enables a regulation to be made specifying an area as a 'restricted area' and prohibiting the movement of alcohol into, and the possession or consumption of alcohol in, that restricted area.
An offence against a regulation of this nature carries a maximum penalty of $5,000 and WA Police will have the authority to seize and immediately dispose of liquor found in the restricted area.
As recommended by the Coroner, the restricted area will cover all of the lands within reserve No 3960, including the two parcels of freehold land bounded by that reserve.
The Minister said the regulation would initially run for 12 months, with an extension beyond this period subject to further consultation.
"This action has the support of the Commissioner of Police and the Shire of Wyndham-East Kimberley and the regulation will come into effect tomorrow," he said.
"I expect that some residents of Oombulgurri will be opposed to an alcohol ban but I am convinced that this action is necessary to protect the most vulnerable members of that community."
The section 175 (1) (a) provisions are aimed at assisting remote communities to more effectively manage alcohol restrictions.
Oombulgurri will be the second Kimberley community to have alcohol banned under these provisions - the first being the Wangkatjunka Community, south of Fitzroy Crossing.
Minister's office: 9213 7200
