Victorians will have better access to specialist drug and alcohol treatment close to home thanks to a $52.1 million investment from the Andrews Labor Government for new residential rehabilitation facilities.

Minister for Health Martin Foley today released the final designs for new rehabilitation facilities in the Gippsland, Hume and Barwon regions – the new facilities will provide care and support to an additional 900 Victorians every year.

The facilities will provide a structured therapeutic and home-like environment where people experiencing addiction can develop coping skills and address underlying issues to overcome their alcohol and other drug use. 

New 30-bed adult residential rehabilitation facilities will be built in Corio and Wangaratta, providing 24-hour care and support for people who have been through withdrawal or stabilisation and need to continue their treatment.

In Traralgon, a 20-bed youth-specific residential rehabilitation service will be built for young Victorians aged between 16 and 21. The facility will provide around-the-clock care and activities that support lasting behavioural change including coping, social and life skills development, relapse prevention, individual counselling and group work.

The youth-specific facility will also support young people to reintegrate back into the community and access educational and vocational training and employment skills – a vital component of making positive and long-lasting change possible.

The designs provide a first look at the facility exteriors, grounds and internal fit-outs, which have been carefully considered to create a welcoming and healing atmosphere for individuals and their families. Modscape has been appointed as the builder for three new facilities.  

The new rehabilitation facilities will help relieve pressure on local health services and reduce the impact of drug and alcohol use on local communities.

The residential rehabilitation facilities are part of the Victorian Government’s implementation of wide-ranging reforms across the alcohol and drug sector, including more than $180 million as part of the Ice Action Plan and $87 million through the Drug Rehabilitation Plan.

Construction will commence in early 2021, with all three facilities operational by the end of the year.