A proposed integrated justice precinct in Wyndham remains on track despite the state government rejecting a funding application for a project to help guide the development of a masterplan.
Four-hectares of land directly behind Werribee police station have been set aside by the Metropolitan Planning Authority for an East Werribee justice precinct, which would include a court house, police station, Legal Aid centre and other key service agencies.
But the Department of Transport, Planning and Local Infrastructure this month rejected an application for $30,000 funding for a project led by Wyndham council, in collaboration with the Metropolitan Planning Authority, to gather information on future demand for justice services and the scope of the proposed precinct.
The Department of Justice, Department of Human Services and Court Services Victoria also supported the funding application, along with Wyndham Legal Service.
The council is now seeking alternative funding sources for the project.
In August, Committee for Wyndham chief executive and chairman of the Wyndham Integrated Justice Precinct Advisory Group, Chris Potaris, said the precinct was long overdue, arguing that Werribee Magistrates Court was built in 1980 to service a population of no more than 40,000.
“The court is an old brick building with only two courtrooms, a handful of staff and no wheelchair access,” he said. “On a busy day when the court is full, it’s common to see people sitting on the brick floors of the building or waiting outside in the open.
“The Werribee and Wyndham North [police] stations are overcrowded and unable to accommodate existing police numbers or protective service officers.
“[The] Wyndham Integrated Justice Precinct Advisory Group agrees that the current and proposed land set aside by the MPA, as defined within the East Werribee Employment Precinct site, is a very logical and suitable location for the next integrated justice precinct in our region.”.
