PRESSURE is mounting on the state government to fund rehabilitation or in-patient services for drug and alcohol patients in Warrnambool.
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Western Victoria MP Stuart Grimley and Member for South West Coast Roma Britnell are advocating for government funding for the proposed Lookout Drug and Alcohol Rehabilitation Centre.
The service would be run by the Western Regional Drug and Alcohol Centre (WRAD).
Mr Grimley met with WRAD during a trip to Warrnambool on Wednesday.
It formed part of a multi-day tour which included visits to Portland and Colac for meetings with constituents as well as shire councils.
Mr Grimley will advocate for the state government to have funding poured into the Lookout centre.
Rehabilitation and early intervention works.
- Stuart Grimley
"They've got some really good stories coming out of the service. Rehabilitation and early intervention works," he said. "The programs are effective."
Mr Grimley said those with long-term addictions who had participated in programs through WRAD had turned their lives around and become mentors for others.
Mr Grimley also met with Moyne and Warrnambool councils to discuss hopes and aspirations, projects and advocacy.
Another issue discussed was the demand for people to work in the hospitality and tourism industries, and the lack of housing for new workers in the region.
Ms Britnell said a motion was passed at the Liberal Party State Council on Sunday calling on the government to immediately provide adequate funding to enable access to substance addiction rehabilitation services.
She said The Lookout was a service that would support people with drug and alcohol addictions with their recovery journey.
"I have seen first hand from my time in community health the need for a residential rehabilitation centre in South West Coast to give people access to the treatment and services they need to break the cycle of addiction," she said.
She said funding was a priority. "The Andrews Labor Government has overlooked this crucial residential rehabilitation centre for years," she said. "Despite the Minister for Health giving tacit support for the project the government has not stumped up the funding."
The state government was contacted for comment.
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