Tackling the scourge of ice in Wide Bay

30 May 2018

Tackling the scourge of ice in Wide Bay

The Coalition Government is delivering on our strategy to tackle the scourge of ice in local communities, with a Local Drug Action Team (LDAT) being established in Maryborough.

 

Federal Member for Wide Bay, Llew O’Brien, has congratulated Fraser Coast Training Employment Support Service Inc (TESS) which will receive $10,000 to help develop a local Community Action Plan. The organisation can then apply for additional funding to help deliver targeted, local projects, with support from the Alcohol and Drug Foundation.

Under the program, partnerships work together to empower and education communities to prevent and reduce the harms of alcohol and other drugs in their community.

“I’m pleased that TESS are working to tackle the devastating impact of alcohol and drugs — including ice,” Mr O’Brien said.

“The team will deliver local drug prevention activities, including education, mentoring and support for vulnerable people to minimise their risk of alcohol and other drug related harms.

“Maryborough’s own Local Drug Action Team will be important for the strength, health and well-being of our community in the fight against drugs, now and into the future,” Mr O’Brien said.

The Sunshine Coast Mind & Neuroscience Thompson Institute will operate another LDAT that extends into Wide Bay.

“Drug abuse and drug addiction are complex issues and require solutions that address supply, demand and prevention, and the LDAT will help to identify the best solutions that work locally.

Minister for Rural Health, Bridget McKenzie said the Coalition is investing $298 million over four years to combat drug and alcohol misuse across Australia under the National Ice Action Strategy.

“Regional communities are often the hardest hit when it comes to ice abuse and addiction,” Minister McKenzie said.

“I want to congratulate all successful LDATs, it is important that we provide communities with the right tools, resources and support to drive change at a local level” Minister McKenzie said.

More information about LDATs can be found on the Alcohol and Drug Foundation’s website www.adf.org.au/ldat

ENDS