A new drug detox and rehab facility needs to be built in Dubbo as soon as possible and the longer the region goes without one, "the more damage drugs and alcohol will do".
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That's the view of Dubbo Region mayor Ben Shields who says the government should commit to building a facility now and not wait until a recently extended Special Commission of Inquiry into ice concludes in January 2020.
"There is no need to wait until the end of the inquiry for a decision. While it will provide valuable information in the war against ice it won't reveal anything we don't already know," Cr Shields said.
"We have to make it easier for people to access the help they need to escape the scourge of drugs or alcohol."
Cr Shields said the government previously indicated it would consider investing in a detox and rehab facility after the inquiry - which was originally meant to be finished in October this year - had concluded.
Valuable time was being wasted while the harmful impacts of drug addiction were continuing to be felt across the region, he said.
"I have written to state Member for Dubbo Dugald Saunders and asked him to lobby the government for a favourable outcome on Dubbo's behalf," Cr Shields confirmed.
In a Facebook post Mr Saunders re-confirmed his support for a drug rehab facility to be built in Dubbo, along with a specialist drug court.
"Matters pertaining to drugs can often be a life or death scenario," he said.
"They tear families apart and have enormous social consequences.
"That's why it's so important that, when it comes to trying to solve the problems, we get it right."
It was important not to rush, Mr Saunders said.
"Instead we need to wait until the Special Commission finishes and form policy based on its recommendations... this is too important to get wrong".
Federal Member for Parkes Mark Coulton has secured $3 million that will go towards building a detox and rehab facility, while the council has vowed to provide the land for it to go on, Cr Shields said.
- Have you or someone you know been impacted by drug addiction? Share your story and views on this topic.
