A petition has started to call for better communication in regards to the proposed site of Edmonton’s youth jail

A petition demanding community engagement on a proposed Cairns youth jail has garnered almost 450 signatures in four days.

Candidate for Division 2 at the Cairns Regional Council election Steve Lippingwell is concerned over the lack of information from the state government about the proposed youth detention facility in Edmonton. Steve Lippingwell talks with long term Edmonton resident Nan Mann outside Piccone's IGA. Picture: Brendan Radke

A petition demanding community engagement on a proposed Cairns youth jail has garnered almost 450 signatures in four days.

Mt Sheridan resident Steve Lippingwell lodged the petition on the Queensland Parliament website, citing concerns “that Edmonton has been proposed as the site of a youth detention facility”.

“This decision has been made with little to no consultation with local residents or the Cairns community”, the petition reads.

“Any site in Edmonton is unsuitable ... it would be in close proximity to homes, schools, aged care, and the central business hub.

Edmonton has one of the highest crime rates in Queensland ... building a youth detention facility in a high crime suburb, where attempts to abscond may be assisted by other offenders, is poor planning.”

The petition calls on the government to investigate “more suitable sites ... away from the homes, schools and businesses of Edmonton”.

“The community is left guessing and it’s unfair … nobody has any idea of where it will be and what it will look like,” Mr Lippingwell said.

Residents Nan Mann, Steve Lippingwell and Fran Lindsay outside Piccone's IGA, where a petition against the proposed youth detention facility was being signed. Picture: Brendan Radke

“It would be absurd for it to be an open centre and within the community.

“I’ve been talking to residents and people are frustrated with the lack of answers.”

Mr Lippingwell, who recently announced he would run for Division 2 at the upcoming Cairns Regional Council election, said residents would prefer to see a development that enabled growth for young people.

This “education centre or reflection centre” could include a school, TAFE, medical centre and even sport, he said.

“Calling it a jail opens up more questions,” Mr Lippingwell said.

Edmonton resident Darrell West told News Corp he believed people simply wanted more information about the plan.

“They’re not giving enough information, so how could we (as residents) be happy with it in Edmonton if we don’t know where it will be, what it will look like, and in what capacity the kids will be held,” he said.

Division 2 Councillor Rob Pyne has also been vocal about keeping the youth jail out of Edmonton.

“Edmonton already has an alcohol and substance abuse facility and it feels like they’re already holding their weight,” Cr Pyne said.

“I don’t believe in this style of jail at all, I know they’re saying its therapeutic but they haven’t detailed that.”

The petition comes after deputy premier Steven Miles last month announced that Edmonton was currently the most probable site for the new Cairns youth jail.

“We’re currently assessing the most appropriate site for a new youth justice facility – that will be a therapeutic-focused facility with programs in partnership with First Nations leaders and elders,” Mr Miles said.

The petition is available on the Queensland Parliament website and closes on September 11.

Originally published as A petition has started to call for better communication in regards to the proposed site of Edmonton’s youth jail