INJECTING ROOMS WILL TAKE SYRINGES OFF BEACH: REPORT

Supervised injecting rooms are likely to reduce the number of used syringes
that end up on the foreshore, a beach taskforce says.

The Syringes on Victorian Beaches Taskforce yesterday released a report,
which was prepared in response to a needle-stick injury to a competitor in
an ironman carnival on Elwood beach in January.

The taskforce - comprising members from State Government departments, local
government, and organisations such as the Royal Life Saving Society and the
Environment Protection Authority - said one reason for setting up injecting
rooms was the impact they may have on the disposal of syringes.

"It is anticipated that the trial of injecting facilities in the five
nominated areas will demonstrate that there are positive reductions in
street syringe litter," the report said.

The taskforce also recommended that pharmacies have disposal containers, and
that the Department of Human Services develop a sticker with a safe-disposal
message to be put on the containers.

It also said Bayside councils put signs in problem areas to advise on the
safe handling and disposal of syringes.