The Andrews Labor Government has announced $2.3 million for extra support services to reduce the harm caused by the drug ice in the Gippsland region.

Member for Eastern Victoria Region, Harriet Shing MP announced today that the money is part of a total package of $24.6 million to expand treatment services, support families and strengthen communities across Victoria and is part of the Andrews Government’s $45.5 million Ice Action Plan.

In Gippsland, the following funding will be made available:

• Approximately $1.9 million to Latrobe Community Health Service (with Windana Drug and Alcohol Recovery) for non-residential rehabilitation over four years

• $10,000 to East Gippsland Ice Prevention Working Group for Community Ice Action work

• $10,000 to AFL Gippsland for Community Ice Action work

• $200,000 to Bass Coast Health for family support programs in the Gippsland catchment

• $180,000 to Latrobe Community Health Service for expansion of the Needle and Syringe Program over four years

The new Ice Action Plan funding across Victoria includes:

• $18 million over four years to treat an extra 500 Victorians with ice addictions each year. The funding will expand innovative rehabilitation services for people living in rural and regional communities and in metropolitan growth areas.

• $4.7 million over four years to expand support services for families coping with ice use, and a new family drug education program to help families recognise when someone has a drug problem and how to support them to get treatment. This more than doubles existing support for families.

• $1.8 million in one-off grants for the 20 busiest Needle and Syringe Programs

• $130,000 for the first round of 13 projects to help community groups tackle ice in their local area over the next year, with more projects to be funded each year over the next three years.

Quotes attributable to Member for Eastern Victoria Region, Harriet Shing MP

“We know the damage ice is causing in families and communities, not just in Gippsland, but across Victoria.”

“The Andrews Government’s $45.5 million Ice Action Plan is about supporting families, communities and individuals who are battling with this highly addictive drug, and supporting the crucial work necessary to prevent people from using in the first place.”

“Treatment requirements can vary enormously from person to person. It is vital to engage local communities in Gippsland so that, together, we can come up with the right solutions for the problems ice is causing.”

Quotes attributed to Minister for Mental Health, Martin Foley

“This funding ensures families and communities have the support services they need, when they need them. It will help to reduce the terrible impact ice is having on Victorian families.”