Yarra Council has voted unanimously to advocate to the State Government to implement the Victorian Coroner’s recommendation for a trial of a medically supervised injecting facility (MSIF).

This latest resolution builds on Council’s 2011 and 2013 resolutions in support of a trial.

Council will make a submission to the Parliamentary Inquiry into Drug Law Reform calling for a MSIF to be trialled in the vicinity of Victoria Street in Richmond/Abbotsford.

Yarra Mayor, Councillor Amanda Stone, said “We’re looking to prevent a repeat of the 34 overdose deaths that occurred in Richmond in 2016.”

“A medically supervised injecting facility would help save lives and connect people with health services so they may have the opportunity for rehabilitation.”

“We see a supervised injecting facility as one part of a holistic approach to harm minimisation.”

Cr Stone recently toured the MSIF operating in King’s Cross, NSW, and was encouraged by what she found.

“The King’s Cross facility has been up and running for 15 years. There have been no overdose deaths associated with the facility and addicts have been connected to vital health, counselling and treatment services, giving them a real chance to turn their lives around.”

“The success of the King’s Cross facility has only strengthened our resolve to make a supervised injecting facility a part of a wider solution to the complex issues facing North Richmond.”

Yarra Council is promoting a multi-faceted approach that incorporates a range of other harm minimisation measures, health and education, urban renewal, community partnerships and law enforcement, as well as collaboration between all levels of government.

Council recently concluded a major community consultation as part of its Reimagining Victoria Street project.

“We received more than 400 submissions from the community on the best ways to enhance the experience of living, working and visiting Victoria Street.”

“These contributions will help guide our ongoing work and advocacy for improving this iconic strip,” Cr Stone said.

For media enquiries, please contact:

Brooke Colbert
Manager – Communications Advocacy, Engagement and Media
[email protected]
0409 267 439