June 2002

Plan acts on alcohol abuse

Heavy drinkers in the Warrnambool, Moyne and Corangamite areas are the target of an alcohol and drug action plan.

The plan has the support of Health Minister John Thwaites who said alcohol abuse was the next target of the State Government’s $77 million Drug Initiative and the draft Local Alcohol and Drug Action Plan for the Warrnambool region highlighted the problem locally.

’The South-West region has an above-average alcohol consumption rate, increased hospital admissions from binge drinking and more court time devoted to alcohol offences than any other drug,’ Mr Thwaites said at the opening of Western Region Alcohol and Drug Centre new premises in Fairy Street, Warrnambool.

‘This plan has been funded by the State Government and is the largest multi-municipality plan of its type in the State.

‘The Government is encouraging all Victorian municipalities to develop similar action plans as part of their municipal health plans.

‘The draft report says drink-driving is rife and there are considerable consequences linked to other local drug-related crimes.

‘The level of alcohol-related hospital admissions in Warrnambool, Corangamite and Moyne is the highest for the entire Barwon Health region.

‘In Warrnambool it is 67 per cent above the state average with 51.5 admissions per 10,000 people.

Mr Thwaites said the alcohol and drug action plan aims to:

• Strengthen the community’s capacity to prevent and respond to alcohol and drug related issues;

• Improve community safety through the effective management of public spaces and places;

• Respond to the health and welfare needs of alcohol and drug users and facilitate links with appropriate support, health and treatment services;

• Integrate and support initiatives in the criminal justice system to reduce drug-related harm.