Ice crisis looms for indigenous Qld: QAIHC

Queensland's peak indigenous health body is calling for urgent government intervention to help communities stop an ice addiction crisis.

Queensland Aboriginal and Islander Health Council's Sandy Gillies says communities have little experience or knowledge of methamphetamine and are only just beginning to realise the impact of the drug.

The council wants a meeting with Queensland Health Minister Cameron Dick and director-general of health Michael Walsh to discuss how to stop the looming health crisis.

"Like the rest of Australia, our communities are feeling the sting of methamphetamine addiction and we want to get on the front foot to deal with this as soon as possible," Ms Gillies said.

"Our people already suffer from the worst mental and physical health outcomes in the country and we simply cannot afford another health crisis to unfold."

The health council is working on a policy paper on the best way to deal with the crisis, which it plans to submit to the Queensland government.

Some recommendations include researching the use of ice in indigenous communities, a public education campaign, an early intervention program, more training for community health workers and specialist indigenous detox and treatment services.

Mr Dick told AAP he was more than willing to meet the health council to discuss the issue and said he looked forward to examining their proposals.