Cr Danita Potter
March 6, 2019
South Burnett Regional Council has received a $10,000 grant to develop a plan aimed at tackling alcohol and drug abuse in the region.
The funding has come from the Alcohol and Drug Foundation as part of the Federal Government’s $298 million, four-year National Ice Action Strategy.
The Foundation has so far funded 244 Local Drug Action Teams (LDAT) across Australia.
The funding will allow the South Burnett LDAT to develop a community action plan based on alcohol and drug harm-prevention activities, tailored to individual community needs.
After the plan is drawn up, the Council will then be able to apply for extra funding to deliver activities outlined in the plan.
The South Burnett LDAT is chaired by Cr Danita Potter, who also chairs Council’s Health Services portfolio.
“The LDAT will take a united approach to provide solutions for the benefit of the community,” Cr Potter said.
“We will be meeting with the Alcohol and Drug Foundation next week to discuss the next step.”
The funding was given to the South Burnett Regional Council because it is acting as lead agency for the LDAT, which will consist of members from both the public and private sectors.
Cr Potter said other members of the committee included representatives from the Department of Education, South Burnett CTC, local ambulance crews and hospitals, Lives Lived Well, police and related organisations.
“There are some other groups we’d like to have on board as we develop this plan, and we’ll be approaching them to join us, too,” Cr Potter said.
“We also hope to be able to leverage off proven, successful strategies already developed by other LDATs.
“But we’ll know a lot more about what’s available after next week’s meeting.”
Cr Potter said the final plan would embrace the entire South Burnett.
“Our region has alcohol and drug misuse problems like many other parts of regional Australia, and this has a negative impact on many people in our communities,” she said.
“Our LDAT will take a united approach.
“By working together, we hope to provide solutions that will benefit everyone.”
- Related article: MP Backs Local Action On Drugs
