Funding puts the freeze on ice

Geelong’s ice fight received a funding boost, with Corangamite MP Sarah Henderson announcing new funding of $4 million.
Ms Henderson said the funding will be for local drug and alcohol rehabilitation services “to combat the scourge of ice in communities across the country”.
She said the funding would help to reduce demand for ice and reduce addict-based crime by supporting local rehabilitation services to help get addicts off ice and out of the drug market.
“Ice is ruining lives, destroying communities and does not discriminate,” Ms Henderson said.
“This money will provide much-needed services to people in our region that are grappling with ice addiction and substance misuse.
“I have spoken to countless families across our community who are dealing with the fallout of this insidious drug, many of whom are concerned about a lack of available treatment and rehab services.
“While treatment delivery is traditionally the responsibility of State Governments, the Federal Coalition Government has recognised the urgency of this situation and acted.
“The funding for local services is part of the Turnbull government’s response to the National Ice Taskforce report, which was handed down in December last year.
“The Western Victoria Primary Health Network will be responsible for commissioning services with the funding, which will flow from 1 July.”
Liberal candidate for Corio Richard Lange said that, in addition to funding for rehabilitation services, local volunteer groups would soon be able to access grants from the Federal Government to deliver local education and prevention programs across the community.
“The Coalition is also providing support to more than 1200 community sporting clubs to deliver prevention messages about ice with a focus on regional Australia,” Mr Lange said.
He said the programs were part of the Federal Government’s comprehensive $300m plan to tackle ice across Australia.
The Federal Government also committed $1.5m for capital works for a new Foundation 61 Women’s Rehabilitation centre as part of this year’s budget.