Communities in the Kimberley and Pilbara regions will benefit from an additional $18.9 million from the State Government's Royalties for Regions to continue providing alcohol, and other drug, treatment and prevention services.
The investment in the North West Drug and Alcohol Support Program for a further three years, from 2017-18 to 2019-20 complements previous State Government funding of $19.3 million.
Mental Health Minister Andrea Mitchell said the funding would deliver specialist alcohol and other drug treatment and prevention services from hubs in the Kimberley and Pilbara, and support the continued operation of the sobering-up service at the Carnarvon Dual Purpose Centre.
"This investment will also assist in the continuation of community development initiatives that have been established and implemented since the program started, such as prevention activities and community alcohol management plans," Ms Mitchell said.
"The funding will help reduce the level of alcohol and other drug related issues in communities in the Pilbara and Kimberley.
"There are already improved treatment completion rates and reduced alcohol and other drug use after treatment in the affected communities. I look forward to seeing greater social benefits realised."
Regional Development Minister Terry Redman welcomed the additional funds and said there was strong community support for the continuation of service provision.
"Royalties for Regions is about securing long-term benefits and this additional investment is a significant step in ensuring access to services in regional WA," Mr Redman said.
"There is now a greater opportunity to support the retention of key specialist staff and strengthen the alliances between service providers to maximise the access to, and effectiveness of, drug and alcohol services."
Fact File
The $3.4 million Carnarvon Dual Purpose Centre was the first model in WA to co-locate a sobering up service with a community drug service team
It was part of the $19.3 million Royalties for Regions' North West Drug and Alcohol Support Program
Mental Health Minister's office - 6552 5400
Regional Development Minister's office - 6552 6700
