A mobile needle and syringe exchange service came into operation in the centre of Australind on Monday.

The WA Substance User’s Association received permission from the Harvey Shire to operate the needle exchange service from Australind.

The association received a funding boost from the health department late last year to establish a permanent needle exchange site in Bunbury and to expand their mobile services throughout the South West.

The association’s South West coordinator Damien Roper said the service aimed to assist the safe disposal of needles and syringes and reduce the spread of blood borne viruses such as HIV and hepatitis C.

Australind was identified as an area in need of a needle exchange service from information supplied anecdotally by service users to the association.

Mr Roper advised council that there were about 12 known clients who would use the service in the Australind area.

He said for the South West region the total exchange program would be about 10,000 needles per month.

Concerns about the service’s operations were raised by Australind’s Lot 208 Youth Centre.

“We want to make a clear distinction to the community that there is no connection between the needle exchange and the youth centre,” Mrs Watt said.

Mr Roper said the location on Mulgara Street was chosen to meet the requirements of a needle exchange.

“It is important the location strikes a balance between being discreet enough that clients can not be easily identified from passing vehicles but central enough so safety is not an issue.”

Shire councillor Bill Adams is a resident of Australind and said he felt there was not a great deal of support for the service.

“There will always be apprehension within the community towards this sort of thing, especially in such a heavily used area,” Mr Adams said.

“In my opinion it is pandering to a habit.”

The needle exchange will operate on Mondays in Australind for a trial period of 12 months with regular progress reports provided to council.

For more information contact the service on 9791 6699.