Community groups in Portland can now apply for grants of up to $10,000 to
develop the most effective way to combat ice in their local area, Member for Western Victoria, Gayle Tierney announced today.
The Andrews Labor Government is providing $500,000 to fund grassroots Community Ice Action Groups across regional and rural Victoria.
The funding will allow community members to come together for the first time to develop local solutions in the fight against ice, and for other groups to build on existing successful locally-based responses.
A range of activities including forums, production and development of communications, promotion of education opportunities and the evaluation of these initiatives and interventions will be supported.
The community grants are part of the Andrews Labor Government’s $45.5 million action plan to reduce the supply, demand and harm of a drug that is ruining lives and destroying communities.
The Labor Government’s Ice Action Plan was developed on the advice of the Premier’s
Ice Action Taskforce, which brought together Victoria Police and legal, health and youth experts.
Under the Plan, the Governmentis providing $4.7 million to support families affected by a loved one’s drug use. This includes the 1800 ICE ADVICE phone service launched recently by the Minister for Mental Health, Martin Foley.
The Government is also investing $18 million to expand drug treatment and rehabilitation, so users can better access the help they need, and $1 million will provide improved training for people who work with ice users.
New measures to reduce the growing supply of ice on our streets include $4.5 million to crack down on clandestine drug labs and tough new laws to stop dealers.
More information on Community Ice Action Group grants is available at: www.ice.vic.gov.au.
Quotes attributable to Member for Western Victoria, Gayle Tierney MP:
“Too many lives are being ruined by ice – it’s a devastating drug, with tragic consequences in our local community.”
“We’re taking action now, giving users the treatment they need, families the support they deserve and coming down harder on those who sell this drug on our streets.”
“The Andrews Labor Government’s Ice Action Plan recognises that the only way we can beat ice is by working with the locals. These grants will lead to plans that are best suited for our community.”