THE state government has delayed a forum on the drug ice in Bendigo as it seeks to form an action plan to address the issue in regional communities.
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The forum was planned for Bendigo later in February, but has instead been canceled with another date to be confirmed.
Australian Drug Foundation chief executive officer John Rogerson said he doesn't expect the delay to last very long.
"It was fair enough that the government chose to delay the forums, they need to make sure they fit into their plan to address ice," he said.
"Clearly these are important forums and I expect them to go ahead soon."
The previous state government announced the forums in a range of regional centres, including Bendigo, Shepparton, Ballarat and Horsham.
Only the Geelong forum, planned for February 17, will go ahead.
Mr Rogerson said the forums will seek to answer a number of questions from the community and help to form a plan to bring the issue under control.
"There's a lot of fear about ice in the community. It's about trying to help the community understand the issue," he said.
"It's a frightening drug. The evidence shows that it isn't any more prevalent than other drugs in the past, but it is three to four times more potent than other amphetamines.
"Prevention is vitally important, and how parents should talk to their children about it."
The Australian Drug Foundation had received a contract to carry out the forums.
Member for Bendigo East Jacinta Allan said it was unfair to criticise the government for the postponement.
"The former government played a cruel hoax on the community when they announced the forums on the eve of the election," she said.
"It was to be seen to be doing something."
Ms Allan said the previous government had not provided the Australian Drug Foundation with funding for the forums.