That was the promise of Deputy Leader of the Opposition Tanya Plibersek who was in Nowra on Friday campaigning with Labor candidate for Gilmore, Fiona Phillips.

Mrs Plibersek pledged $2 million to start the planning process if elected.

“It is an important first step in the planning, selecting a site, working out the size of the facility, how many beds are required and how it would integrate with existing services,” she said.

“The South Coast, like many parts of Australia, continues to have problems with people experiencing drug and alcohol addiction and we know the services in this region are really struggling to keep up.

“We’ve seen in recent years a particular surge in the use of amphetamines or ice. One local drug and alcohol service said amphetamines have gone from being well under 10 per cent of problem admissions to over a quarter in recent years.

“If you’re a parent who hears from your child they are ready to give up drugs the worst news is there is no bed in rehab for them.

“This new facility is something Fiona has campaigned for.”

Mrs Phillips said she was excited by the “much needed” announcement.

“We know drugs and alcohol have been an issue throughout Gilmore,” she said.

“It’s been an ongoing issue, we have had forums on ice and parent networks set up.

“We need a detox and rehab facility to service this area and around the Gilmore electorate.

“This is an investment in young people and people who need help.”

Mrs Plibersek said Labor was serious about winning Gilmore.

“We are deadly serious. This is a very important seat for Labor which is why we’ve supported such a fantastic candidate,” she said.

“Fiona is such a terrific local, active candidate who has lived in the community for 40 years.

“She is the mother of four children, has been a TAFE and university teacher, has run a small business, her husband has his own small business. She is a terrific representative for this community, already working on the campaign to save the Nowra Swimming Pool.

“Without winning seats like Gilmore it will be hard for Labor to do what it wants to do nationally.”

While she wouldn’t definitely commit to leader Bill Shorten coming to Gilmore before the election, she did say Mr Shorten and other Labor front benchers would campaign with Mrs Phillips and all other marginal seat candidates over the next two weeks.

Meanwhile Minister for Rural Health, Fiona Nash and Gilmore MP Ann Sudmalis recently handed over the Commonwealth’s $2 million contribution to the cost of building Mission Australia’s Triple Care Farm detox centre at the property in the hills behind Jamberoo.

The centre will specifically target people aged 16 to 24 struggling with addictions to methamphetamine, better known as ice.

The 10-bed detox centre is expected to be open by Easter next year.