Local organisations are urged to apply for funding to put more Local Drug Action Teams (LDATs) on the ground to tackle ice and other drug issues in our communities.

Round four of the LDAT program has now opened and interested community organisations have until the 7 December 2018 to get their funding applications in.

Member for McMillan, Russell Broadbent said today that through local partnerships, LDATs provide evidence-based prevention activities to minimise alcohol and other drug related harms in their communities.

“The Liberal National government is committed to keeping Australian families and communities safe and through the proactive work of LDATs, we are taking a preventative approach to tackling drug issues.

“So far we have seen 172 LDATs funded across Australia and these teams directly tackle the devastating impact alcohol and drugs – including ice – have on their communities.

“We have had some excellent examples of the work these groups are doing to prevent drug use and improve health outcomes for young people,” Mr Broadbent said.

The teams are supported by the Alcohol and Drug Foundation, which help the LDATs develop and implement primary prevention activities in the community.

“This is all about community partnerships working together on a plan of action to prevent, minimise and stamp out the misuse of drugs and alcohol in their town.

“Partnerships can include representatives from local councils, schools, police, youth services, primary health services and treatment services, community groups, non-government organisations and ordinary community members.

“If you want to make a difference in your community, I encourage you to build local partnership and apply for the program,” Mr Broadbent said.

More information about LDATs and the application process can be found on the Alcohol and Drug Foundation’s website https://community.adf.org.au/implement

Communities across our region are invited to apply for a share in $200 million under Round 3 of the Australian Government’s Building Better Regions Fund.

Member for McMillan, Russell Broadbent said the projects delivered under Round 3 will ensure regional and remote communities continue to thrive.

“We have had fantastic outcomes over the first two funding rounds of the Coalition Government’s Building Better Regions Fund and I expect Round 3 to deliver more of the same with up to $45 million earmarked to increase tourism,” Mr Broadbent said.

“Tourism is a major industry in many of our regional areas, but in particular ours, with Walhalla and Mount Baw Baw in the north and Phillip Island and the Bass Coast region through to Wilsons Promontory in the south.

“This investment in tourism-related infrastructure projects will draw more visitors to remote and regional Australia and the economic benefits they bring with them.

“In this third round we are investing a further $200 million – a clear indication of the Government’s commitment to investing in projects that create jobs, build regional economies and ensure strong and resilient regional communities into the future.

“I would encourage our communities in the region to take advantage of the fund and get local infrastructure and community-building projects of all sizes off the ground.

“This fund is dedicated to unlocking the economic potential in remote and regional Australia and I encourage all eligible organisations with a great project idea to apply for the third round of funding..

“Our region has already benefited from rounds one and two of the Building Better Regions Fund with Cape Paterson Surf Life Saving Club receiving funding towards the rebuild of their club house and a new early learning centre located at the Warragul Primary School,” Mr Broadbent said.

Applications opened on 27 September 2018 and close on 15 November 2018.

Further information on eligibility and how to apply is available at www.infrastructure.gov.au/bbrf.

A new trial program which will help empower local communities to design and implement local solutions to unemployment commences in the region this week.

The Coalition Government’s $18.4 million Regional Employment Trials recognises that partnering with local communities in designing employment solutions which reflect their local community’s own distinct needs can lead to stronger engagement and more effective employment outcomes.

Russell Broadbent, Federal Member for McMillan, said the Government recognises that the Gippsland region faces unique challenges and requires innovative and tailored solutions to local employment problems.

“The Regional Employment Trials program brings together local expertise to improve employment opportunities for people looking for work in our community.

“I especially want to encourage local businesses to partner with the community to invest in low-skilled and untrained workers, and individuals who haven’t worked in a long time — to give more people an opportunity to become more productive and contribute to the economy and our community.

Under the program, trial regions across Australia will receive $1 million in grant funding, with local stakeholders able to apply for individual grants of between $7,500 and $200,000 for employment-related projects such as mentoring programs and the upskilling of local unemployed people to become more job ready.

“The program will help people in our community to get a job.

Since the Coalition came to office in 2013 more than 1.1 million jobs have been created.

“Under the Coalition Government there are more Australians in work than ever before, and more Australians in full-time work than ever before,” Mr Broadbent said.

Further information and details about how to apply can be found at www.jobs.gov.au/ret

Russell Broadbent MP
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