Thank you for sharing your feedback on the Ovingham Underpass Dry Zone Proposal
Permanent Dry Zones have now been established in Ovingham, Renown Park, Bowden and Brompton.
We are aware of anti-social behaviour at the Ovingham Underpass/Karrarendi Yerta Kadla near Ovingham Railway Station.
We have established a dedicated working group and are continuing to listen, work and collaborate with South Australia Police (SAPOL), the City of Prospect and residents to support the local community and address concerns in the area.
Proactive measures in place include:
- Increased proactive cleaning
- Additional monitoring of nearby facilities
- Regular staff engagement with residents, businesses, and community members
- Collaboration with government agencies, community services, and cultural leaders
- Investigation into sustainable safety improvements
- Activation of the reserve with positive community use
- Ensuring appropriate support is available for people in need
You can assist by contacting us on (08) 8408 1111 to report cleaning or hygiene issues.
Update 7 January 2026
Permanent Dry Zones are now in place for key areas around Ovingham Underpass / Karrarendi Yerta Kadla, including Napier Reserve, Chief Street and Drayton Street Pocket Parks, Parfitt Square and Albert Turnbull Reserve.
This decision followed strong community feedback, with approximately 88% of respondents supporting the change to help address antisocial, alcohol-related behaviour.
Dry Zones are one part of the City of Charles Sturt’s broader approach, alongside increased cleaning, monitoring, community engagement and working closely with SAPOL, the City of Prospect and support services.
Dry Zone signage will be installed in mid to late January 2026.
Update 12 November 2025
We are pleased with the decision by the State Government to establish a permanent, expanded dry area covering parts of Bowden, Brompton, Fitzroy, Ovingham (including Ovingham Underpass/Karrarendi Yerta Kadla near Ovingham Railway Station) Prospect and Renown Park. The following areas are now Dry Zones:
- Ovingham, Renown Park and adjacent areas
- see map
Signage will be installed onsite shortly. Thank you to SAPOL, the State Government, the City of Prospect and the local community for your feedback and engagement. As a Council we will continue to work closely with service agencies and community partners to foster a safe, inclusive and welcoming environment for all.
Update 6 November 2025
A temporary Dry Zone at Ovingham Underpass/Karrarendi Yerta Kadla near Ovingham Railway Station will be implemented by the State Government from Thursday 6 November, 2025.
This is a welcomed interim measure and will support concerns from local residents and businesses around this area. Community consultation to consider a permanent Dry Zone in the area is still open and we invite the community to share their feedback. Consultation closes 11 November 2025.
Update 22 October 2025
We are inviting community feedback on the establishment of permanent Dry Zones in response to community concerns at Ovingham Underpass.
The areas nominated to become Dry Zones are:
- Napier Reserve, Renown Park - including Ovingham underpass area and adjacent paths and roads
- Chief Street Reserve (under construction), Brompton - including adjacent paths and roads
- Drayton Street Reserve (under construction), Bowden - including adjacent paths and roads
- Parfitt Square, Bowden
Share your views before 5pm Tuesday, 11 November 2025.
Update 13 October 2025
We remain committed to a coordinated human services response and continue to advocate for all of our community. City of Charles Sturt is part of a fortnightly working group which includes representatives from SAPOL, City of Prospect and key support services and agencies.
Daily site management is continuing, overseen by both councils, and includes proactive cleaning, business and community engagement.
While the Declared Public Precinct (DPP) has not been supported, we are progressing with support for the establishment of a Dry Zone. We will share an update once this has progressed.
Update 23 September 2025
At the 22 September 2025 meeting, Council carefully considered three options to address concerns of residents and community members about anti-social behaviour at the Ovingham Underpass/Karrarendi Yerta Kadla, near Ovingham Railway Station. These included:
- Declared Public Precinct (DPP)
- Dry Zone
- Short-term restrictions
After hearing from and listening to residents, SAPOL, agencies, service providers and the City of Prospect, Council resolved to pursue both a Declared Public Precinct and a Dry Zone in parallel.
- Declared Public Precinct (DPP): We will apply to the Attorney-General following SAPOL’s recommendation. A DPP provides police with broader and flexible powers to address unsafe behaviour, not limited to alcohol, and can be reviewed and adapted over time. Importantly, a DPP can be in place within 6–8 weeks.
- Dry Zone: At the same time, Council will apply to the Liquor and Gambling