Community
8 September, 2023
Youth jail site doubts
THE Palaszczuk government appears to be backing away from building a youth jail at Edmonton.
As fears grow that one or two sites in Mt Peter Rd are the proposed location, the government this week was broad in its answers to questions from Cairns Local News.
Previously the government had identified the southern corridor town as a preferred site, angering residents who claimed there had been no consultation.
This week the government was asked about the two sites in Mt Peter Rd – at 32-42 (Joalma Poultry Farm) and 26-28 or a combination of both.
The government was also asked about further details of the project.
In replies, a Department of Youth Justice, Employment, Small Business and Training spokesman did not refer to Edmonton at all and said no decision had been made.
“A number of potential sites in the greater Cairns region are still under consideration,” he said.
“A final determination has not been made on a preferred site and this has yet to be considered by government.
“The government is committed to engagement and information sharing when a preferred site is identified in the near future.”
Resident and division 2 council candidate Steve Lippingwell said people were angry and frustrated and were seeking answers from the government.
“They gathered outside the Joalma Poultry Farm, which is for sale, in Mt Peter Road looking for answers,” he said.
“They want to know where in Edmonton the youth detention facility will be?”
Mr Lippingwell said strong rumours were that a drug and rehabilitation centre and the youth detention facility might be combined on the same site at the chook farm.
“The Joalma Poultry Farm on Mt Peter Road joins with land behind the gym on Stokes Street, so a combined facility could be a possibility.”
Mr Lippingwell said that when he went to Banjo’s Bakery to collect signatures for the ‘No Detention Facility in Edmonton Petition’, staff told him that tradies had said tenders were already being called.
“Residents are confused and want some answers,” he said.
“If this is the proposed site there are houses and units directly behind it and they would be separated only by their boundary fence and these residents are worried and scared.”
Earlier this week the Katter Australia Party proposed that Queensland youth jails be remote, smaller, mandatory for offenders after three offences, and rehabilitation focused.
The e-petition is on the QLD Parliamentary website. Google the words “QLD Parliament Edmonton petition” or sign a hard copy at Piccone’s IGA Edmonton. The petition closes on September 11. It has gathered more than 840 signatures.
