Regional communities miss out on ice prevention funding

Shadow Minister for Mental Health, Tim Bull

The Andrews Labor Government has failed to support more than 25 community-based groups to establish ice prevention programs in their local area.
Established education and prevention strategies in rural and regional Victoria have also missed out in the latest round of the Community Ice Action Grants.
“The ice scourge is hurting families and country communities and there are dozens of groups ready to make a real difference but have been passed over by Labor,” Shadow Minister for Mental Health Tim Bull said.
“If this Government was serious about tackling the damaging impacts of ice they would fund all of these programs and continue support to those with successful programs already in place.
“After the windfall $9.7 billion sale of the Port of Melbourne lease there is no excuse to refuse funds to those trying to make a positive difference in their community.”
About 40 applications were submitted from groups across the state, 12 received funding.
Under Labor the 13 groups funded last year, including Mildura’s Project Ice and other programs in Rochester, Warrnambool and Wangaratta, will not receive ongoing funding.
“The reality is Labor talks a big game with its Ice Action Plan, but when groups put their hand up to work with Government at the community level they are being ignored,” Mr Bull said.
“Given Labor is beating its chest about a massive budget surplus and the windfall $9.7 billion Port of Melbourne lease, there is no excuse to continue to neglect our country communities.”

Media contact: Emma Manser 0437 225 386 emma.manser@opposition.vic.gov.au