CALM liquor accords raise the bar on responsible drinking

15 March 2010 CALM liquor accords raise the bar on responsible drinking

An expanded group of CALM liquor accord representatives will meet on Wednesday 17 March to discuss the way forward for liquor-related issues at the first meeting of CALM Sunshine Coast for 2010.

Newly formed CALM Nambour and CALM Maroochydore will join the group, bringing the number of CALM liquor accords on the Sunshine Coast to six.

CALM Sunshine Coast provides an avenue for the Chair and Deputy Chair of each local accord to work together with State and Local Governments and other agencies to discuss local and regional liquor-related issues and successes.

Council's Community Programs Manager Mike Lollback said the addition of two new accords was a measure of the success it was having at managing liquor-related issues across the Sunshine Coast.

"CALM has proven it is about actions that improve the whole community," Mr Lollback said.

"This first meeting for 2010 will enable planning for the year and of course welcome the two new accords..

"One of the key discussions for this meeting will be how the Coast responds to emergency situations and how CALM members might be able to assist should an emergency situation arise local to the area."

Superintendent for Sunshine Coast Police District Ben Hanbidge will also address the meeting.

"Queensland Police strongly support the proactive work of the CALM accords to reduce liquor related issues and welcome a further collaboration in providing assistance to the community during emergency situations," Superintendent Hanbidge said.

"The Queensland Police Service strongly encourages liquor accords to become involved in the common goal to provide safer environments for our communities. Having a possible role in emergency situation responses is a further step toward this goal and a positive community benefit."

CALM liquor accords now exist across the Sunshine Coast in Caloundra, Hinterland, Maroochydore, Mooloolaba, Nambour and Noosa. The establishment of these local accords has been largely in recognition that each area is unique and subsequently can each face very different issues.

Membership of each accord is made up of local liquor providers, State and Local Government, businesses, community members and other interested agencies. The accords focus on local liquor related trends, issues and positive approaches in addressing these matters on a local level. Their combined efforts produce positive regional results and benefits for the entire Sunshine Coast community, Mr Lollback said.

CALM liquor accords have raised the bar with the Sunshine Coast setting standards in liquor best practice across Queensland.

Permanent Link: CALM liquor accords raise the bar on responsible drinking
Publish Date: 15 Mar 10