A group of local good Samaritans who do regular rubbish clean ups around Glen Innes recently found syringes, needles, and drug paraphernalia in an area frequently used by children.
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The Glen Innes Greens group was picking up rubbish along the banks of the Rocky Ponds Creek behind the rugby oval when they made the discovery.
Local resident and Greens Group member Carol Sparks said she was shocked when she saw the syringes.
“We were shocked and the teenagers with us reacted very strongly stating it was worrying that they could be stabbed whilst yabbying in the creek,” she said.
“I tried to dispose of the syringes at the toilets in the parks however all the containers were full.
“Last Friday morning on my walk to the standing stones, I picked up another two syringes and a vial of sterile water on the grass beside the path, a child could easily pick these up, I have informed the council of the problem.”
Glen Innes Severn Council Acting General Manager Graham Price said the council will look at re opening the community sharps program.
“Council takes on board that there may be a need for this program now,” he said.
“We are also looking at a ‘Work for the dole’ program which could be utilised for this type of clean-up work.”
Glen Innes Mayor Colin Price said the material the group was able to gather is a concern and Council is thankful to the group for bringing it to their notice.
“Unfortunately Council can only clean up after people make their life choices,” he said.
“As a community we should resist people who bring drugs into our town and inform the police if it is known who is bringing drugs into our area.”
Sargent Hall of the Glen Innes Police said they are aware that people use illicit drugs in various locations around the town.
“We have areas that are known places for illicit drug use that we regularly patrol,” he said.
“The area along the banks of the Rocky Ponds Creek is not a common place for us to attend.
“However, now this information has been brought to our attention we will step up our patrols of the area and add it to our list of regular areas to keep watch over.”
To get help if you have a drug problem go to; http://www.druginfo.adf.org.au/contact-numbers/help-and-support or www.adin.com.au/help-support-services