Following complaints from the community and houses neighboring the park, the Queanbeyan-Palerang Regional Council has voted to declare Ernie Beaver Park in Gilmore Place an Alcohol Prohibited Area (APA).
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This is unusual for most parks in Quenabeyan, as each park has to be declared an APA on a case by case basis. Parks often host public events and functions at which alcohol is permitted to be served. This will no longer be the case at Ernie Beaver Park.
The park is clearly an area designed for use by children and families. It hosts a large playground with swings, slide climbing walls, over head climbers, sliding poles, noughts and crosses and a lot of other playing equipment designed for children.
There is also a public BBQ, picnic tables, seating, bins and a large shade structure. It is clearly this second part of the facilities which attracted the attention of customers who frequent the neighboring bottle shop.
Council received complaints about public drunkenness in the park resulting in unacceptable language and behaviour in what was intended to be a family friendly space.
This also led to intoxicated people, usually men, congregating at a nearby laneway where passers-by felt intimidated.
The public’s use of the park had been compromised by street drinkers. There were also several instances of malicious damage to property, littering and other offensive behaviour.
The safety of the area had become such a problem Council was forced to act to make it safer for children, adults and adjacent homeowners.
The decision to declare Ernie Beaver Park an APA now makes it unlawful to consume alcohol at any time within the signposted area. Enforcement may then be undertaken by Queanbeyan Police.
In addition to the harm to the people and property, the behavior could also be seen as a disservice to the memory of the parks namesake.
Ernie Beaver was a well-known and respected local citizen of Queanbeyan for many years. He played a significant part in the public life of the township.
The Queanbeyan Museum hosts several interesting articles belonging to the late Mr Beaver's donated by his family.
The museum has a Morse Keyer he used as a Post Office telegraphist, including from 4:00am onwards on May 9 1927 when Parliament House in Canberra was opened. The Telegrams containing messages of congratulations came through all day.
Ironically, there is also a typewriter used by Mr Beaver to record proceedings during many sessions of the Queanbeyan Council.
