Community
24 October, 2023
Fight to stop youth centre
THE battle to stop a youth detention centre in Edmonton is ramping up as Cairns Regional Council division 2 candidate Steve Lippingwell has tabled a petition signed by residents in Queensland Parliament last week, giving the Youth Justice Minister Di Farmer 30 days to respond.
Edmonton residents led by Mr Lippingwell tabled the petition on October 12 seeking clear and accurate information from the Department of Youth Justice about the location for the proposed detention centre and the type of facility it will be.
Mr Lippingwell said residents were frustrated at the lack of transparency and communication from the state government leading the petition – ‘No youth detention facility in Edmonton’ – to garner over 1500 signatures.
“I’ve spoken to thousands of residents and the overwhelming response is that we don’t want a youth detention centre in our backyard,” he said.
“It doesn’t mean that we don’t want a facility, but the type of facility that has been proposed is probably not fit for purpose.”
Mr Lippingwell said the community was willing to reach an agreement.
“I’m going to propose that we have a community forum and that we invite the Member for Mulgrave (Curtis Pitt) and minister Farmer to attend, get feedback from the community and look at alternative proposals,” he said.
Edmonton resident Steve Bennett said facilities like this shouldn’t be built in residential areas for no reason.
“I don’t usually agree with Bob Katter but his idea of setting up farms and rehabilitation centres in the middle of nowhere and teaching them skills is something I agree with,” he said. “This is not something we should have in a built up, residential area. For instance, if one of the young kids gets out, they’re in proximity of alcohol, and things they’re trying to get them away from.”
There are currently two rumoured sites in Edmonton for the youth detention centre, Mt Peter Rd – at 32-42 (Joalma Poultry Farm) and 26-28, however, a Department of Youth Justice, Employment, Small Business and Training spokeswoman said: “Work to identify a suitable site in or near Cairns for a new detention centre is ongoing”. Mr Lippingwell said a more holistic centre with school, TAFE, apprenticeships, and sporting programs might be a better fit for the community.
