Alcohol reform for Cherbourg

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships Minister Lindy Nelson-Carr has today announced alcohol restrictions for Cherbourg in a bid to reduce “totally unacceptable” levels of alcohol-related harm in the community.

“Alcohol restrictions for all discrete Indigenous communities have been reviewed this year as part of our action plan to help communities reduce the totally unacceptable level of harm,” Ms Nelson-Carr said.

“These reforms are part of the Bligh Government’s commitment to work with Indigenous communities to reduce harm and strengthen community and family life,” she said.

In early November, revised carriage limits were announced for the communities of Hope Vale, Yarrabah, Doomadgee and Pormpuraaw, starting on January 2, 2009.

“Following extensive consultation with key stakeholders in Cherbourg and nearby communities, alcohol limits will be implemented here for the first time from March 12,” said the Minister.

From March 12, 2009, the carriage limit in the Cherbourg Shire will be one 30-can carton of light or mid-strength beer.

Ms Nelson-Carr said several factors had been taken into account in determining the new carriage limit, including the views of the community and stakeholders, as well as services needs and, importantly, the very high levels of harm recorded in Cherbourg.

“The latest data shows Cherbourg residents were 33 times more likely to be hospitalised for assault than all other Queenslanders, and Cherbourg has 13 times the Queensland state rate for offences reported against the person,” she said.

“This highlights the need for an alcohol carriage limit for the Cherbourg community – particularly for the safety of women and children.”

Across the State, the Bligh Government has allocated $66 million over four years for alcohol-related services, with an additional $43 million from the Australian Government over the same period.

“The March 2009 commencement date will enable improved services to be implemented in Cherbourg, including a drug and alcohol services hub and clinical detoxification services,” Ms Nelson-Carr said.

“The Bligh Government remains committed to working with the community leaders of Cherbourg to turn the statistics around and achieve positive and sustainable results.”

Enhanced support services for Cherbourg include:
• An Alcohol and Drug Services Hub to provide assessment, screening and counselling services. It will employ nursing, allied health, clinical alcohol and drug and community health workers.

• Access to acute clinical alcohol and drug detoxification will be available through Cherbourg Hospital which has confirmed a 1-2 bed capacity within existing bed occupancy levels. The service will be fully operational from March 2009 when an additional nursing position will be employed.

• The 2007-08 permanent police staffing level in Murgon was 19 uniformed police officers. From 1 July, as part of the police service response to Alcohol Reform, three additional uniformed officers have been allocated to Murgon taking the total permanent staff number to 22. Murgon provides support to Cherbourg which is six kilometres away.

• Discussions with the Cherbourg community are continuing to finalise the diversionary services that will best meet the community’s needs and reduce harm.

For more information on the Queensland Government’s alcohol reforms visit www.alcoholimits.qld.gov.au

Media Contacts: Minister Nelson-Carr’s Office – 3235 4280
Liquor Licensing - 3247 5963