South Burnett Regional Council welcomes $3.4m boost to Mental Health
The recent announcement by the Hon David Littleproud, Minister for Agriculture and Northern Australia and Member for Maranoa, of $3.4 million for a local Head to Health service
has been hailed as a great step forward by South Burnett Mayor Brett Otto and Councillors Danita Potter and Kathy Duff.
Based in Kingaroy, the service will provide much needed mental health support to residents across the South Burnett region, commencing early in 2023.
“As Mayor, I have been pleased to support the local Stakeholder Consultative Committee working with Councillor Potter, our CEO, health care agencies and professionals to bring this to our region,” said Mayor Otto.
“I would like to thank all involved locally for their dedication and commitment to the health needs of our community and acknowledge the Australian Government for providing this much needed funding.
“Council will continue to work with government at all levels and persuasions to represent the needs of the people of the South Burnett.”
Cr Potter said that the Commonwealth funding would be crucial in addressing some of the significant mental health care challenges in the region, with the South Burnett’s psychological distress and suicide rates well above Queensland State averages.
Cr Duff travelled to Canberra to help put the South Burnett’s case for mental health funding. “It is great to have the South Burnett’s voice heard this week with Minister Littleproud’s announcement targeting the most vulnerable residents in our community,” said Cr Duff.
