ALCOHOL will be banned at The Pillars diving rocks at Mt Martha if a push by Mornington Peninsula Shire Council is successful.
The shire’s amended Consumption of Liquor Local Law will go on exhibition “in coming weeks” in the wake of a six-month trial ban.
The council is now advertising to make the bans – which extend several blocks inland – permanent, with increased powers to be given to police to seize alcohol from visitors.
The Mt Martha coastal hot-spot attracts visitors due to its appealing cliff face and pristine waters, but excessive drinking, discarded rubbish and abuse of parking restrictions has made it problematic for nearby residents.
The mayor Cr Bev Colomb said the aim of the ban would be to reduce alcohol-related incidents, improve public safety and amenity and protect the environment and overall community interest.
“Unfortunately there has been some inappropriate behaviour and alcohol consumption [which has] significantly impacted on this sensitive site,” she said.
“Our role as the local council is to protect the safety of people and the amenity of our local residents.”
In January, the council voted to develop an implementation plan for works at the site, which included building a fence to close it to the public.
Work on the fence has yet to start.
First published in the Mornington News – 29 August 2017
