The proposal to introduce a new “alcohol prohibited area” in Osborne Park, near Wollongong Harbour, has been flagged following a safety audit of the area and comes amid discussions about renewing alcohol-free zones across the city.

There are currently seven designated alcohol-free zones across the Wollongong local government area (LGA) – in parts of Helensburgh, Thirroul, Corrimal, Wollongong, Dapto, Berkeley and Warrawong. All are due to expire at the end of September.

In a report to Monday night’s meeting, council’s manager of community, cultural and economic development, Kerry Hunt, recommended councillors vote to renew all current zones for another four years. No new zones would be created.

Alcohol-free zones apply to roads and footpaths within a designated area. However, parks, reserves and beaches are not automatically considered part of an alcohol-free zone and have to be declared an “alcohol prohibited area” via a council resolution.

Read more: Wollongong council reveals another $9 million overhaul for North Beach

Councillors have been urged to adopt a staff recommendation to place such a restriction on Osborne Park, located between Cliff Road and Wilson Street.

The proposed ban follows a community safety audit earlier this year. The report to council said the audit was carried out in March “at the request of the community” to investigate ways to improve safety and help reduce anti-social behaviour.

“While there have been no incidents reported to police since February ... the prevalence increases during the summer months,” the report said.

“Police have advised that over the past summer months, the majority of incidents reported have involved anti-social behaviour, intoxication and offensive language.”

Wollongong police have told the council the majority of the incidents occurred between 11am and 5.30pm, with a few from 7pm to 11pm.

“Police informed they ‘strongly oppose’ alcohol prohibition from sunset to sunrise as a consideration, as the majority of offenses are occurring during the day or early afternoon,” the report said.

Unlike alcohol-free zones, alcohol prohibited areas do not expire and don’t require a council resolution to be suspended or cancelled.

Councillors have also been asked to continue alcohol-free zone exemptions for major events in selected city centre areas; a maximum of 10 events would be exempt from alcohol prohibition.

Meanwhile, the council’s policy for setting up alcohol-free zones is also up for adoption on Monday night.

The policy has been reviewed with no recommended changes to procedures.