Premier Daniel Andrews has refused to back down on his plan for a high security youth prison at Werribee South, insisting the Hoppers Lane site is the most suitable.
At a press conference this morning, Mr Andrews said the youth detention centre would be the most secure facility ever built in Victoria.
“I understand people feel very strongly about these issues … this will be the most secure facility that has ever been constructed in our state, and I’m sure that will be an important point for the local community,” he said.
“It is going to create thousands of jobs, not just in the construction phase, but in an ongoing sense also.
“It is on land the government owns, there is a substantial buffer – this is a facility we need,” he said.
“I know there are some people who are concerned by property prices, well property prices in Parkville haven’t been harmed by the fact that there’s been a youth justice facility there for a very long time.”
“It’s not an easy set of decisions to make,” the Premier said.
“It was all too hard for the previous government, but we’re going to get this done.”
His comments came the morning after thousands of people rallied in Werribee’s main street in overwhelming opposition to the government’s preferred location for the centre, and its complete lack of consultation.
