MP takes aim
HE'S not Eliot Ness, but Jim Turnour is determined to bring binge drinking in the Far North under control.
With booze-related social problems estimated to cost Australia $7.6 billion annually, the Member for Leichhardt yesterday said enough was enough.
Speaking from the Addiction Health Agency in Westcourt, Mr Turnour launched the Federal Government's Community Level Initiative scheme, aimed at cutting binge drinking among 12 to 24-year-olds.
The scheme directs money towards binge prevention projects, with grants of up to $150,000 available for community organisations and $250,000 for groups-in-partnership.
Sporting clubs are likely participants.
"I think there is a particular binge drinking problem in Cairns and I hear that from police and health workers," Mr Turnour said.
"Binge drinking causes problems of noise and disturbances and people getting into fights and police have better things to do with their time."
Mr Turnour admitted he had himself overdone it before.
"There were certainly times in my life where I drank more than I should have and I wish there were programs like this when I was younger," he said.
"I am 42 now and have a young child and think it is appropriate we are tackling this problem."
Mr Turnour said 2005 data showed 168,000 12 to 17-year-old Australians reported binge drinking in any given week, so it was vital to break the cycle.
The Federal Government has provided $7.2m for this stage of the CLI scheme, which is part of the larger National Binge Drinking Strategy.
Mr Turnour also announced a grant of $198,835 for the Addiction Help Agency in Cairns to treat amphetamine users, as part of the Government's Amphetamine-Type Stimulants Program.
Organisations seeking more information about the binge drinking program should call 1800 209 312 or Mr Turnour’s office on 4051 2220.
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Official launch: Di Forsyth, Margaret Renfrey and Leichhardt MP Jim Turnour at the launch of the community initiative scheme.
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