Assaults, foul language and rampant drug use are destroying efforts to revitalise Footscray’s Little Africa, according to traders.
African Australian Small Business Association president Mohamed Abdulrahman said that despite the best efforts of business owners, the situation had been spiralling out of control in recent months as pleas for help fell on deaf ears.
“There is a big issue with people using needles and shooting up,” he said.
“We believe Footscray needs to take its fair share of the burden, but at the same time we strongly believe more needs to be done for safety.”
Mr Abdulrahman (pictured) said particular concerns were held about children being exposed to drug use and drinking around the business hub on Nicholson Street.
“There is a family day care centre in there and we have serious concerns about the safety,” he said.
“It’s really scary that people are shooting their drugs in that area.
“They are not locals – they come from other suburbs. They attract each other to the area, exchanging information about where they got it cheap and that sort of thing.”
A petition signed by more than 170 traders and customers was presented to last week’s Maribyrnong Council meeting claims businesses are being harmed as people avoid the area.
“We are local traders, ratepayers and voters who expect immediate action and Aussie Fair go!” the petition says.
Mr Abdulrahman said the issue required better co-operation between traders, police, health providers and Maribyrnong council.
“I think the council need a better policy,” he said. “I feel that they are not doing everything they can to support the new demographic and seeing the potential of newly arrived migrants.
“They could be doing more about the needles and the cleanliness and tidiness of the street. They have spent a lot on the graffiti, but it seems like they are totally ignoring this other issue – that is why the petition was sent to them.”
Maribyrnong councillors resolved to request the chief executive consider the petition and determine the appropriate response.
Footscray Local Area Commander Adrian Healy said police had met with the traders this week and initiated a further meeting between police, traders and Maribyrnong Council to take place in coming days.
