Growing community concern about the number of syringes being found on the streets of Dubbo reinforces the need for a drug and alcohol rehabilitation facility to be built in Western NSW, mayor Ben Shields believes.
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Frustrated and fearful parents who spot injecting equipment near public places are routinely taking to social media to express their despair and anger about Dubbo's drug problems.
Last week, against a backdrop of soaring ice use in regional communities, a global online news outlet shared photos of syringes found near Dubbo South Public School and the story of the mum who discovered them.
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Cr Shields said the last thing he wanted to see was "headlines in national media portraying Dubbo and Western NSW as a drug capital".
"I am extremely concerned about the number of needles being found in public areas and the risk they present to the public," he told Australian Community Media.
"They are regularly turning up in places where young children frequent and it is unacceptable.
"Council takes this risk very seriously and removes any that are reported as quickly as possible."
Cr Shields urged Dubbo residents to notify council if they came across used syringes.
"The reality is Dubbo has the same problem as other regional cities, no better no worse but something needs to be done and that is why this council is being very proactive," he said.
"We want a drug and alcohol detoxification and rehabilitation centre to help reduce the drug threat in our region."
