Petition launched against ice smoking room for south west

Opposition is growing against plans for an ice smoking room in South West Sydney.

Now a local MP has launched a petition against the idea.

“Drug use is a very serious offence and something that should not be normalised,’’ says State Member for Holsworthy, Melanie Gibbons.

“I do not want people in our area to think that by having a facility to smoke ice, that it makes it OK to do so.

“I’m worried about the safety of people outside the room.

“People who take ice can become violent and not in control of their actions.”

Although the organisers of this facility are hopeful it will go ahead, the NSW Government has already stated that it does not wish to provide support for these plans.

“The NSW Government has identified that ice and drug use is an issue within NSW – but believes that prevention and tackling the problems associated with drug use are a better way to combat it, rather than opening a smoking facility,’’ the MP said.

“In this year’s budget the NSW Government has allocated $200 million to provide advanced drug and alcohol services, to combat this very issue.”

Ms Gibbons has launched a petition to demonstrate the community’s anger at the suggestion of this facility going ahead.

[social_quote duplicate=”no” align=”default”]“I am asking the NSW Parliament to join me in rejecting any plans for an ice smoking room to be built or operated in the south or south west region of Sydney,’’ she said.[/social_quote]

To sign the petition visit the MP’s office at 60 Walder Road, Hammondville.

However copies will also be available if you contact the electorate office on 9825 3653.

Forum to discuss ice issues

The Australian Drug Foundation in partnership with NSW Health will hold a forum this month.

The aim of the forum will be to help the community get the facts about ice use.

This forum will be held on Tuesday, July 26, from 6:30pm, at Liverpool Catholic Club.