LNP announces ice forums to combat drug epidemic

LIBERAL National Party Leader Deb Frecklington has announced an assault on the terrifying ice epidemic ravaging Queensland.

Ms Frecklington is calling for bipartisan support for the Liberal National Party’s ice strategy and would hold forums in four regional centres in coming weeks to hear directly from Queenslanders affected by the drug scourge.

The forums will be held in: Toowoomba - 5 February, Townsville - 6 February, Bundaberg – 20 February and Sunshine Coast – 21 February.

“Ice has infiltrated our small towns and cities, it is destroying families and attacking the very soul and fabric of our communities,” Ms Frecklington said.

“This drug doesn’t discriminate, it decimates. You don’t need to be addicted or use this drug to be haunted by its effects.

“I would like Annastacia Palaszczuk to take our plan and enact it. I am happy to provide bipartisan support because this issue is above politics. People’s lives are at stake. In fact the longevity and well-being of whole communities, especially in regional Queensland, are at stake.”

The plan included four new drug and alcohol rehabilitation centres around the state, a boosted funding program for prevention services such as

Lives Well Lived to target high-risk demographics as well as increased crime prevention and awareness, stronger enforcement and shutting down organised crime networks.