“Skippers” supported to get Sunshine Coast revellers home safely

Sunshine Coast residents can participate in a supported “designated driver” scheme to get them home safely after a night out celebrating at coast venues.

Transport Minister John Mickel has welcomed the new Skipper program, supported by 40 pubs and clubs across the coast, under which a Skipper who is nominated by a group as their designated driver gets soft drinks at no charge.

“When a group turns up at a venue for a night out, the Skipper just registers his or her name with the bar staff and is issued with a wrist band that entitles them to free soft drinks for the time the group is there,” Mr Mickel said.

“It’s a real community effort to reduce the likelihood of drink driving and to make the coast’s roads safer for everyone.”

The Skipper program is backed by the State Government, the hospitality industry, the Sunshine Coast Regional Council and community groups including Recording Artists, Actors and Athletes against Drink Driving, or RADD.

“Members of RADD have recorded radio messages promoting the Skipper program and you will hear them right over the festive season,” Mr Mickel said.

“I want to acknowledge and commend the local clubs and hotels who are participating in this initiative.”

Mr Mickel said the Skipper program had proven popular and successful in other Queensland centres where it had been introduced, including the Gold Coast, Gympie and most recently Mackay.

“After four months of Skipper in Mackay, surveys show the number of people who have a designated driver when they go out has increased from 61 percent before to an impressive 82 percent now.

"That’s a good result because it means more people are thinking and planning ahead so that drink-driving situations don’t arise.

“I believe similar results will be achieved on the Sunshine Coast. If we can save just one life it will be worth it.

“Measures such as these which can make Queensland’s roads safer are worth pursuing, and the Skipper Program can certainly make a contribution on the Sunshine Coast.

“Skipper is all about people being sensible and responsible, and in doing so they are also helping to protect the community and reduce the road toll,” he said.

Mr Mickel said further information about the program was available online at http://www.transport.qld.gov.au/Home/Safety/Road/Community/Skipper_campaign

Media contact: 3237 1944

12 December 2008