RECENT discussions by the NSW Government to make changes to existing drug laws have received a mixed response from groups west of the Great Divide with some groups arguing a more lenient stance could lead to increased usage and related issues.
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Under the proposed plan, someone caught with drugs for personal use would received a warning for a first time offence. Fines would be issued for second and third offences, while a fourth offence would lead to a criminal conviction.
The impact of social and illicit drugs in regional and rural NSW are widespread, impacting not just users but family and friends, along with the wider community.
More Lithgow news:
Illicit drug use in Western NSW has skyrocketed over the past five years according to the NSW Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research.
Cocaine use in the Central West alone has increased by 47.8 per cent between July 2018 to June 2020, while the use of amphetamines is up by almost 20 per cent.
The story is similar for the Far West and Orana with amphetamine use has increased 14.4 per cent over the past five years, with crystal methamphetamine or "ice" taking its toll on communities around the region.
The region also had the second highest rate of amphetamine use and possession in NSW over the last 12 months and was fourth highest in the state for the reports "Other Drugs" category.
Lifeline Central West CEO, Stephanie Robinson, said that a new approach to drug issues could be a step forward.
"We are a service for everyone whether that is people with an addiction, someone impacted directly impacted by drug users, or someone in the wider community, so we understand the situation needs to be addressed," she said.
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"Punishment might not always be the best solution the answer as we know that people whose lives have been affected by drugs need support, family and friends might also need assistance and we need to improve the situation.
"We don't condone criminal behaviour, however looking at a new approach could lead the way forward."
While the situation in the Far West and Orana region looks bleak, there is good news.
Last month Member for Dubbo, Dugald Saunders, was able to announce that Dubbo will be home to a detoxification and residential rehabilitation facility, with $7.5 million allocated to the project in the latest NSW Budget.
Mr Saunders said the project would create real change in our region.
Unfortunately, too many people in the community are either directly or indirectly impacted by drug addiction and the associated societal problems, and this is a huge step forward in providing access to services that will help people, he said.
There has been plenty said and written about the need for a facility in Dubbo and I have always supported the concept.
I fought hard to secure this funding, but it is also important that we provide the appropriate services that ensure this isn't just bricks and mortar."
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