Drug and alcohol funding boost for LC
Drug and alcohol funding boost for LC
Drug and alcohol rehabilitation services in the Limestone Coast have received a welcome $3 million boost.
Visiting Mount Gambier this week, federal Minister for Health Greg Hunt announced the Liberal National Government will invest $3 million in the region over the next three years.
The funding will be provided to Uniting Communities to deliver its New Roads Program in Mount Gambier, and the Substance Misuse Limestone Coast Working Party will receive funding to develop a long-term strategy for the region.
From July 1, Uniting Communities will receive $825,000 per annum for a Non-Residential Day Program that will have two components:
• An intensive day program offering people who have secure accommodation the structure of a residential rehabilitation program without the need to leave their home.
• Home detox program, in conjunction with GP services that will include withdrawal services, medical support post-withdrawal support and a treatment plan to address behaviour change and harm minimisation.
Substance Misuse Limestone Coast will receive $175,000 per annum to establish a sustainable community based collaborative that will incorporate:
• Public education programs.
• Reactive treatment programs.
• Training and education for professionals.
Mr Hunt said the government was committed to supporting Australian communities in their fight against substance abuse.
“Alcohol and drug misuse affects not just the individuals involved, but the people and communities around them,” Minister Hunt said.
“Treatment services are crucial to enable people with substance problems to get their lives back on track.”
Mr Hunt said it was a "persistent and determined lobbying effort" by Member for Barker Tony Pasin that helped to secure the funding.
Mr Pasin welcomed the news and reflected on the federal government’s initiatives in the region that sought to address the issue of substance abuse.
“The Minister has been incredibly receptive to hearing my concerns on this issue over the past couple of years. I thank the Minister for working with me on this. It’s a great outcome.”
“I know alcohol and other drug abuse is an issue for the Limestone Coast and it is something I’ve been speaking about with the Minister for a long time.”
“My advocacy within government has seen Mount Gambier receive funding for one of the first Local Drug Action Teams in the country, the Good Sports Program rollout across the region and Focus One set up a dedicated office in Mount Gambier.
“Stand-alone these initiatives may seem small but together they play a very important role in addressing the issue.”