GRIFFITH sex workers pushing to be allowed to operate outside the city's industrial zones will be forced to wait months for a resolution.
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Council has committed to conducting a review of appropriate locations for sex service premises after three local sex workers submitted requests to be allowed to operate outside industrial zones in the latest Local Environment Plan (LEP).
Currently, sex workers in Griffith are permitted to work only in areas zoned as industrial, under council’s policy on locations of sex service premises.
However, the three submissions outlined in the draft LEP document presented to council in September requested sex workers be allowed to operate in rural, business or mixed zone areas.
The three women felt there were issues surrounding safety, health, discretion and privacy in the industrial areas, and the buildings there were not designed to be used as sex services premises.
They believe the industrial areas are not appropriately lit at night, which could potentially lure criminal activity, and a rural setting would offer more privacy and discretion.
The final report of the LEP, which was adopted by councillors at last week’s meeting, has recommended that a full review be carried out to create the “Comprehensive Development Control Plan”.
Council director of sustainable development Neil Southorn said there will be a number of reviews rolled out in response to the LEP.
However, Mr Southorn said it was “too early to speculate” on whether Griffith sex workers would be permitted to operate outside the industrial area following the review.
“There clearly will be differing views whether they should be permitted to work in other zones,” Mr Southorn said.
“But council is prepared to consider all options.”
The review is expected to be completed within the next six months and will be conducted by council’s planning department.