The campaign to repurpose the old Banksia Mental Health Unit as a drug and alcohol detoxification and recovery centre is continuing.

 Member for Tamworth Kevin Anderson said the government has now responded to a petition from 2,462 local advocates calling on the government to retain the facility and provide the funds necessary to refurbish it.

 “People across our region are deeply concerned about the lack of inpatient services and the impact drug and alcohol addiction is having on the wider community,” Mr Anderson said.

 “That’s why our community put forward a petition to repurpose the Banksia Mental Health Unit as a drug and alcohol detoxification unit when it becomes available.”

 The government has now responded to the petition advising that the ‘future use of the former Banksia building has not yet been determined’, and that once the facility is vacant ‘the former Banksia site can be assessed and options for its future considered.’  

 “This needs to be a top priority for the Government and when this building becomes vacant, the best option for it is to set up as drug and alcohol detoxification and recovery centre. The community is demanding it,” Mr Anderson added.

 “I have a strong plan for the old Banksia unit which involves a partnership between government and a non-government organisation where government provides the funding for upgrades, and a non-government organisation operates the facility.

 “The plan makes good sense. I am continuing to work with the State Government, local advocates, clinicians, health care professionals and those with lived experience to build the case.

 “This is too important an opportunity to miss, and I’ll continue to work with the government to deliver the services we need.”