Media response - Morton Road drug testing

Published on 14 February 2024

Response to Channel 7.

• As part of a 7news investigation about drugs in public places we have tested several playgrounds and parks across the suburbs with support from a certified tester. On the 11th of February the Morton Park Skate Park was tested for traces of substances. The drink fountain and toilets showed traces of methamphetamine at 2:28pm. Can you please provide me a statement in response and can someone from the council speak about this? How often are public areas in the Onkaparinga Council cleaned? Are they cleaned enough? Do you find this concerning considering families visit these areas?

Comments attributed to Mayor Moira Were

We encourage anyone who witnesses drug use or other antisocial behaviour in public areas to report it to SA Police on 131 444 or 000 if there’s an immediate danger to people.

Any use of illicit drugs in our public spaces is a concern for us, which is why we implement strict cleaning and maintenance schedules and help deliver life-changing programs for the community at Niipu-niipu Wama/Morton Park.

Our toilet facilities are visited daily as part of our cleaning program, and our park furniture and playground facilities, including fountains, are visited weekly at for safety inspections and general maintenance.

Drinking fountains are tested and cleaned as required during these inspections. We also undertake additional priority responses when there are reports of unsanitary conditions in our public spaces.

On top of cleaning and maintenance, we’ve been delivering life-changing programs for local residents at the family friendly Niipu-niipu Wama/Morton Park and Morton Road Sports and Community Hub since we partnered with Roger Rasheed Sports Foundation, the community and the state and federal governments to establish the hub in 2021.

These include a weekly outreach program for at-risk young people with Streetlight; free sport and recreation activities for young people—including those with a disability—in partnership with the Roger Rasheed Sports Foundation; monthly BBQs to engage the wider community to build connections and engagement with local issues and opportunities; and a range of events such as community days and state and national skateboarding competitions.

We also partner with the adjacent Christie Downs Community House to deliver a range of programs, which could soon include a Local Drug Action Team-supported weekly drop-in for young people to socially connect and engage with youth workers in a safe space, with a focus on early intervention and prevention.

Feedback we receive from local residents is that they appreciate the range of programs and opportunities offered at Morton Road, which they say contributes to a greater sense of community and safety.

ENDS