PRAISE FOR ANTI-BINGE DRINKING CAMPAIGN
Logan resident and Rankin Citizen of the Year Reg Johns has given the thumbs-up to a $215,000 Federal Government grant designed to tackle binge drinking.

Mr Johns said the funding, to go to Logan City PCYC's "Step Up" program, was a substantial boost to the local efforts to keep kids healthy and safe and reduce the negative impact of excessive drinking on the community.

He said that apart from the major health concerns around binge drinking, he believed young binge drinkers were likely to cause mischief in the streets and at local businesses.

"The businesses in the Station Road precinct will welcome this program if it stops them from having to clean up after large groups of kids who have partied in the area during the night and I commend the PCYC for running this program," he said.

Step Up is a two-year project that aims to break the cycle of binge drinking by having "at risk" young people question and reassess the choices they have made about binge drinking.

Project spokeswoman and PCYC employee Michele Venables said it was hoped the project would make a significant impact in young people’s ability to just say no.

"For years we have had a just say no to drugs advertising blitz and stop programs – but this is the first of its type for Logan City," she said.

"All these things cost money and the grant will be a great help in making the project a success and we hope to have the program up and running as soon as possible."

Member for Rankin Craig Emerson said "Step Up" was a great way to make young people understand the dangers of binge drinking.

"This program helps young people to realise the negative and harmful impact that drinking excessively has on them, their relationships and their lives in general," Mr Emerson said.

"It is a great sign that young people have put up their hands to take part in local programs offering alternate options for local youth. I wish them well and I hope they can spread the word to their peers about the value of these programs.

"I commend these kids for having signed up. I hope the program makes a real difference to their lives."
Mr Emerson said "Step Up" was working with local schools, community groups and families to ensure as many young people as possible knew about the program and its potential benefits.

"The community is right behind this program and I am delighted at the Federal Government's contribution," he said.