Port Augusta Declared Public Precinct ending

The DPP was in place in the town’s centre from 18 October 2024, operating for 12 hours daily between 10am to 10pm, during the busy summer period.

After extensive community consultation, including with the local council, support services and government agencies, South Australia Police (SAPOL) was granted extra authorities by the Attorney General to curb crime and alcohol-related violence.

The DPP is a tool which enables police to formally direct people – either individually or in a group – to leave the defined area due to their inappropriate behaviour which posed a risk to public order and safety. DPP authorities also allow police greater powers to search for weapons using metal detectors.

“The DPP has proven to be very successful in ensuring the safety of people in the designated area by removing identified disruptive people before matters escalate,” Officer in Charge of the Far North Local Service Area, Superintendent Paul Isherwood, said.

“We will now review the DPP’s outcomes and behaviour in the vicinity throughout winter months before determining whether we resubmit a new DPP application to support Operation Summer Safe 2025/26.”

Overall, Superintendent Isherwood said police had received positive feedback regarding the Port Augusta DPP.

“The use of the DPP has been successful due to a diverse range of police resources working together with community stakeholders. This includes foot patrols, bicycle patrols, dog operations, officers from Traffic Support Branch and Licensing Enforcement Branch, covert and overt police,” he added.

“Police will continue working with other partner agencies to make Port Augusta a vibrant, welcoming place for residents and visitors.

“We need the community to help us by not behaving in an inappropriate manner and by being part of the charge to make the community safer.”

For more information on Declared Public Precincts visit: SAPOL - Declared Public Precincts

Port Augusta’s Declared Public Precinct (DPP) will conclude at 10pm this Sunday.