Councils invited to discuss solutions
A conference focusing on practical solutions to help Local Government better manage the impacts of drug use on their communities will be held for the first time in December. Mayors, CEOs and all relevant policy officers are invited to participate in the conference and take advantage of this opportunity. Hosted by the Council of Capital City Lord Mayors (CCCLM) and Brisbane City Council, the conference will discuss and debate current drug policy at a national and international level and consider future trends and options.
Brisbane’s Lord Mayor, Jim Soorley, said that as the illicit drug problem continues to escalate, so does the costs to our communities.
“Not only is the financial cost of responding to drug use increasing, so is the very personal impact it has on family members, friends and colleagues,” Councillor Soorley said.
Increasing numbers of people are using drugs, injecting drugs and dying from drug overdoses. “There is no doubt that local Councils face the ‘on the ground’ issues and impacts of drug use,” Councillor Soorley said. “Security enforcement, syringe clean up, rehabilitation, crime, unemployment and drug education are all issues facing Local Governments.”
Prominent international speakers as well as leading Australian experts in drug policy and practice will present at the conference. Sessions will address best practice initiatives around public safety, space management, and community development, as well as exploring Local Government input to national drug policy.
“As the leaders, policy makers and decision makers in your community, can you afford to miss out on this unique opportunity to learn how to make a difference?” Councillor Soorley said.
The conference will be staged on 4 and 5 December at the Hilton Hotel in Brisbane. For further information contact the conference secretariat on (07) 3846 5858 or email drugs_conference@eventcorp.com.au
