Local Drug Action Teams created in Isaac, Sarina and Bowen

Three local task forces are being created to combat alcohol and drug related harm across Central Queensland communities.

Police crews in action. Picture: Lillian Watkins

Local Drug Action Teams are being created in three Central Queensland regions to prevent and minimise alcohol and other drug-related harm across local communities.

Isaac region, Sarina and Bowen are three of 12 additional LDATs rolling out across Queensland, adding to the already established 268 teams in Australia.

The Local Drug Action Team Program supports organisations at a grassroots level to work with communities, which play a vital role in identifying and preventing alcohol and other drug-related issues.

Alcohol and Drug Foundation chief executive officer, Dr Erin Lalor, said the large number of applications for this year’s program demonstrated the very real will Australian communities had to help tackle problems with alcohol and other drugs.

“Strong demand from communities across Australia has meant the number of Local Drug Action Teams is higher than originally planned, giving us the opportunity to now work with 280 passionate community partnerships,” Dr Lalor said.

“More than 1300 organisations are now part of Australia’s extensive Local Drug Action Team Program network.

“This shows how determined community organisations are about building healthier, more connected and resilient communities following a tough, and often isolating year, due to COVID 19.”

LDATs receive an initial $10,000 and then work with the ADF to identify the best programs for the communities and the areas targeted.

Dr Lalor said tailored community-led initiatives were vital.

“The Local Drug Action Team Program recognises that every community is unique and there’s no one-size fits all solution to addressing alcohol and other drug issues,” she said.

The LDAT partnerships include local councils, service providers, schools, police, young people, Indigenous and primary health services, and other non-government organisations.

Fifty-one LDATs have been established across Queensland, with the Federal Government providing an additional $500,000 for the LDAT program to increase its numbers nationwide, strengthening community efforts to prevent alcohol and drug related harm in this important post -COVID era.

The Local Drug Action Team Program is part of the Australian Government’s investment of more than $450 million under the National Ice Action Strategy since 2016-17.

Click here to find a map of Local Drug Action Teams across Australia.