Drug rehab needed in Goulburn Valley

INDEPENDENT Member for Shepparton District Suzanna Sheed says she is disappointed the Goulburn Valley has missed out on accessing specialised drug and alcohol treatment in their own community.

The Victorian Government recently announced the first residential rehabilitation facility in the Hume region would be built in Wangaratta.

Ms Sheed said the Shepparton region was in desperate need of a drug and alcohol rehabilitation centre and that she would continue to lobby the government to support a local service.

“We know that alcohol and drug abuse is a major issue in our community and it is so important that those seeking help have a service available to them close to home,” Ms Sheed said.

“It is disappointing that we will not be getting a residential treatment facility at this time, but with so much investment being made into our health services with the $170M redevelopment of GV Health, I will continue to explore opportunities to secure a facility for the region.

“There has been a lot of debate in recent times about rehabilitation services and concerns regarding planning decisions, location choices and preserving the local amenity and these are areas that need to be thoroughly fleshed out.

“Unfortunately, the need for a residential facility to support people in overcoming their addiction will not disappear any time soon and we must find a way to address it.”