Uproar drives drug van from town

The WA Substance Users Association pulled its needle exchange program from Dalyellup this week, after residents put user confidentiality at risk.

WASUA executive officer Louise Grant said the program’s implementation was requested by users and residents, but it now had to be removed.

She said the program was supposed to be anonymous and with limited attention, but the uproar from Dalyellup residents meant it could not operate effectively.

Following the strong protest against the van’s location, WASUA pulled the service because it felt it could not longer guarantee the confidentiality of its users and the safety of its workers.

Dalyellup resident Hayden Leevers said he did not oppose the service, just the location of the van, which was in close proximity to where children played.

“I don’t understand the thinking of the shire on this topic — it’s a minority group and drugs are illegal,” he said.

“I don’t like the idea of having drug dealers in the area, but having the van near the beach is not healthy.

“I’d prefer it to be out of the way, closer to the entrance of Dalyellup, where children aren’t close by.”

Capel Shire Council acknowledged the residents’ concerns, but chief executive officer Paul Sheedy said there were drug users in the community and the improper disposal of used needles was an issue.

“We are disappointed the program won’t be in Dalyellup as it was identified as a need in the estate, but we hope it will remain close by,” he said.