Thousands of people flocked to Werribee’s main street this evening to roar their disapproval at a new $288 million high security youth prison earmarked for Werribee South.
Werribee MP Tim Pallas and youth affairs minister Jenny Mikakos were notable no-shows at the rally, which shut down Watton Street and Station Place.
The protest kicked off with a 20-strong tractor convoy – each bearing a sign that read “not in Werribee South” – riding from Fragapane Farms along Duncans Road, past the Hoppers Lane site earmarked for the youth detention centre, and into Watton Street.
Organisers had to turn away more tractors from taking part in the protest, with police allowing only 20.
From there, all the action was at Station Place and Watton Street for the Speak Out – Wyndham’s Voice rally, where organisers estimated a crowd of 8000 gathered.
Scores of people held signs – with one woman even bringing along a toilet seat – and signed a petition against the youth detention centre being built in Werribee South.
Wyndham mayor Henry Barlow kicked off proceedings, reinforcing the council’s opposition to the Werribee South location.
“There is no doubt we’ve been short changed on this deal,” he said.
Werribee Ratepayers Association president Joe Garra said it beggared belief that the state government would position a youth detention centre within the East Werribee Employment Precinct, and within close proximity of the Wyndham tourist precinct, the Werribee food bowl, properties and other amenities.
Protesters backed three motions: one, to condemn the state government for not consulting with the council or community before making a decision; two, that the location is an inappropriate one; and three, that the government find a more suitable location for the centre.
Lalor MP Joanne Ryan said there was no doubt a youth detention centre was needed, but admitted even she had been shocked and confused about the location chosen.
Ms Ryan said she had asked the state government for the site selection process and criteria behind the decision, and promised to share this with the community.
“I think this site is the wrong site for a youth detention centre,” she said.
“We have worked too hard, for too long, working to undo a stigma we have lived with for a long time.
“It’s the wrong site because it sends the wrong message about that precinct – that precinct is our pocket of promise… it is going to be the new capital of the west.”
