Kempsey Shire Council is calling for stronger and more immediate support from the NSW Government as escalating antisocial behaviour continues to affect public spaces across the Shire, including the Clyde Street Mall precinct.
Council says the behaviour is placing significant pressure on local services, business operators, public amenities and staff safety.
Mayor Kinne Ring and Chief Executive Officer Andrew Meddle have met with the State Member for Oxley and the Mid North Coast Police Superintendent to outline Council’s concerns and seek greater State involvement to ensure the CBD remains safe and accessible.
Mr Meddle said Council recognised the complexity of the issue and its shared responsibility.
“Our priority is to support staff, contractors, local businesses and the broader community by ensuring public spaces remain safe, accessible and welcoming,” Mr Meddle said.
“Antisocial behaviour is influenced by social, economic and health factors. Long-term solutions require coordinated action and appropriate resourcing from relevant NSW Government agencies working in partnership with local government.”
Council is seeking endorsement of its current operational approach, as well as formal recognition of the need for increased NSW Government involvement to address the underlying causes of antisocial behaviour.
Mayor Ring said the situation required urgent and sustained action.
“This is not a new issue. Council staff have been managing the impacts for months within the limits of their responsibilities, but we cannot resolve this alone,” Mayor Ring said.
“We need decisive, long-term intervention from the NSW Government to address the root causes, not just the symptoms. Our community deserves public spaces that are safe, welcoming and well maintained.”
To stabilise conditions in the CBD, Council has directed staff to adopt a firmer operational approach. Immediate measures include temporarily restricting access to a wall being used as informal seating, removing selected street furniture to reduce the displacement of antisocial activity, increasing alcohol-prohibition signage, reintroducing ambient music as a deterrent, and delivering targeted community messaging about the changes.
Council’s community partners are also providing support to people experiencing homelessness in the CBD.
Council will continue to provide updates to the community as these measures are implemented.
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