The state government has lodged a development application for a new youth justice facility at Pontville with the Southern Midlands Council.
The application proposes a 24-bed facility that includes 20 residential beds for young people, with four additional beds included as a forward planning measure to allow for potential expansion.
Minister for Children and Youth, Jo Palmer, said the facility aims to transform the lives of young people in the youth justice system.
“We want to improve the lives of our young people in the youth justice system and change their trajectory, setting them up for a better future,” Palmer said.
“Our vision is for a place where young people can learn and grow, with access to therapeutic support, mentoring and education.”
The development application follows completion of the project’s Masterplan, which was developed through extensive community consultation.
The Pontville site will replace the troubled Ashley Youth Detention Centre in Deloraine.
According to the government, the new facility will prioritise rehabilitation, safety and wellbeing in a therapeutic environment.
Young people at the centre will have access to education and skills pathways designed to support positive life changes.
“We will keep the community informed as this transformative project progresses through its final planning and development stages,” Palmer said.
The Southern Midlands Council will now undertake its assessment process, which will include opportunities for public input.
The development application will be available to view on the Southern Midlands Council website once publicly exhibited.
