Delivering specialised rehab facility on South

Liberal Party Victoria

Vulnerable people in south-west coast wanting to get back on track from drug addiction will finally get specialised health support close to home if a Liberals and Nationals Government is elected in November.

A critical shortage of residential rehabilitation in the Warrnambool region has seen a strong community push, led by the Western Region Drug and Alcohol Centre (WRAD), to establish The Lookout residential rehabilitation centre.

A change in government in November will deliver the community’s vision.

Leader of the Opposition Matthew Guy and Shadow Minister for Mental Health Emma Kealy are in Warrnambool today to confirm a Liberal Nationals Government will build a new 30-bed, state-of-the-art treatment facility.

Leader of the Opposition Matthew Guy said it will provide 24-hour care and support for south-west coast residents seeking help for alcohol and drug dependencies.

“Alcohol and drug addiction has a dreadful impact on local communities and unfortunately, regional Victoria lacks adequate support for people struggling with dependency issues,” Mr Guy said.

“To invest $36 million into a dedicated local facility with trained staff to support residents with addiction problems will go a long way to addressing the challenges the community currently face.”

The investment will mean that residents can get the treatment they deserve without needing to travel long distances, leaving family and local support networks.

Shadow Minister for Mental Health Emma Kealy said the commitment forms part of the Liberals and Nationals’ overall plan for better mental health care.

“Years of underinvestment in this vital space has decimated the capability to get support close to home, and it’s regional Victorians that are hardest hit,” Ms Kealy said.

“The Liberals and Nationals will address the mental health crisis in our state, and support Victorians in getting the help they need when they need it.”

Member for South-West Coast Roma Britnell said her community had been forgotten by the Andrews Labor Government and that only the Liberals and Nationals would deliver the necessary support services.

“Residents in the Warrnambool area shouldn’t have to travel far and wide to access the support they need and deserve,” Ms Britnell said.

“A Matthew Guy Liberals and Nationals Government will deliver this shovel-ready project, which will provide proper care to locals facing the challenges the of addiction.”

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