Shire of Broome councillors to consider installing fence around Broome Visitor Centre after years of alcohol-fuelled antisocial behaviour

A $70,000 fence will be built around the Broome Visitor Centre to finally stamp out horrific grog-fuelled antisocial behaviour at the tourism complex. Shire of Broome councillors last night decided to erect the structure around the BVC perimeter on Male Oval to protect the public, staff and amenity from “serious concerns” in the area. The Broome Advertiser reported this year that alcohol and drug consumption and deals in front of children, human defecation, urination, sexual intercourse, masturbation, death threats, violent altercations and other abuse were among the most confronting acts observed by neighbouring businesses. Police told the Broome Advertiser earlier this year a majority of the individuals involved in such acts were believed to be from nearby communities where they cannot purchase alcohol. As recent as yesterday morning, cans of alcohol, bottles of spirits, smashed glass, discarded pizza boxes, filthy clothing and bags of cannabis had been left on the BVC deck from overnight. An officer’s report states the motion had been prompted after a recent meeting with the BVC, which highlighted the issues had escalated in the past six months. “The request proposes to maintain amenity and the outlook from the BVC which plays an important role in visitor servicing for Broome,” the report states. “The objective of this request is to improve security and safety whilst retaining and improving amenity.” The 1.8m high heavy-duty fence will prevent unauthorised access from the centre and allow it to be locked overnight. It will cost $70,950 out of the current budget.