Bundaberg’s new adult alcohol and other drug residential rehabilitation treatment facility is one step closer with the site confirmed and design work underway.
Member for Burnett Stephen Bennett said the rehab centre has been a long time coming.
“For years the Bundaberg community and I have been fighting for proper care and services to help improve treatment outcomes and reduce stress on families,” he said.
“It’s vital we continue to push for progress on this facility that will include 28 beds, day programs, and intensive case management services.
“I’m thrilled to be able to confirm that 57 Wilmington Road, Thabeban has been acquired to build the new facility following community consultation sessions with nearby residents.
“The initial design has also commenced with an application for Ministerial Infrastructure Designation set to be submitted soon to support town planning.
“Construction of the facility is planned after community consultation is finalised.
“While a service provider will be procured through tender processes to establish and commence services in the 2023-24 financial year.”
Mr Bennett said he hopes the new facility will ease the burden and strain on local families.
“I must thank everyone who helped to fight for this center by speaking up and sharing their own extremely difficult experiences.
“We know that the consumption of illicit drugs like ICE is far higher in regional Queensland than in Brisbane. *
“It’s doesn’t discriminate, it decimates.
“I’m constantly receiving calls from devastated family members whose lives have been torn apart by ICE.
“It’s through their bravery and determination to speak up and demand action that we will see this facility become a reality.”
The next community consultation will occur during the formal Department of State Development, Infrastructure, Local Government and Planning (DSDILGP) public notification stage of the Ministerial Infrastructure Designation process.
DSDILGP will confirm when this public notification stage can commence, and community members and stakeholders have 20 business days in which to respond.
Feedback and questions about the Bundaberg service can be sent to [email protected].
To find out more about the more about the Bundaberg residential rehabilitation and withdrawal service, visit https://www.health.qld.gov.au/public-health/topics/atod/services/residential-rehabilitation/bundaberg.
* Link to report: acic.gov.au/sites/default/files/national_wastewater_drug_monitoring_program_report_10_2020.pdf?v=1593563829
ENDS.
10/05/2022