The ice drug epidemic that is devastating individuals, families and communities across the state is becoming an increasing concern for local governments, with many rural councils reporting devastating impacts on their communities.
Following the 2015 Federal Government announcement of a $300m strategy to tackle ice addiction, Queensland’s first Ice Regional Community Engagement Summit was convened in Rockhampton last month. The Summit brought together more than 150 community leaders, government and non-government service providers to consider 65 actions outlined in the Government’s draft action plan to tackle ice, Action on Ice.
Public consultation on the draft action plan closes today and can be submitted via email.
The LGAQ welcomes the State Government’s announcement to step up action on ice and recognised this week’s roundtable held in Townsville as a timely opportunity for experts, service providers and local community members to further discussions on what is working, what is not, and what more can be done.
Minister Assisting the Premier on North Queensland Coralee O'Rourke this week said there was no ‘one size fits all’ approach to this problem, and the action plan recognised that.
Last year’s police raid on the small, tight-knit community of Cunnamulla was just one of many across the state leaving local communities hopeful police action would rid their communities of the ‘scourge’ of ice. Others worry that ice is already too far embedded in their community.
The LGAQ urges Federal and State Government to continue working together to combat this scourge, emphasizing the importance of government action and funding - enabling stronger community responses and localised solutions, with a particular emphasis on rural communities.