The Goldfields will benefit from 4 new residential rehabilitation treatment beds under the $14.9 million WA Meth Strategy announced by the State Government in May.
Member for Kalgoorlie, Wendy Duncan MLA said that the contract for the 4 beds at the Goldfields Rehabilitation Service in Kalgoorlie is one of a number that would provide a total of 60 new treatments beds across the state, all of which will be available from January 2017.
The announcement follows on from previous resources delivered under the WA Meth Strategy 2016 which has seen a boost to staffing in community alcohol and other drug counselling centres across the state, a dedicated Meth Helpline, a specialist meth outpatient clinic and frontline worker training.
“Recent statistics show that methamphetamine use and its associated harms is a significant problem in regional areas right around Australia,” Ms Duncan said.
“These beds will add to the existing beds at Goldfields Rehabilitation Service which is in the process of doubling capacity following the allocation of $2.7m of Royalties for Regions funding from the Goldfields Esperance Revitalisation Fund.”
Ms Duncan said that of the 60 new treatment beds more than half of them would be located in regional areas, benefiting regional communities across Western Australia.
“I am hearing more and more about the scourge of meth in our region and remote communities and it is very welcome that this help is on its way.”
“It is a significant step in supporting the delivery of treatment and prevention models for methamphetamine users living in the regions and it is pleasing to see the Goldfields will benefit from this measure.”
More information about the Meth Strategy 2016 can be found at www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/MediaDocuments/WA%20Meth%20Strategy%202016.pdf
If you or someone close to you needs help with meth, phone the Meth Helpline on 1800 874 878.
For media enquiries contact Wendy Duncan MLA on 0438 782 034
