Edmonton residents are demanding answers on the new youth jail

Edmonton residents are demanding answers in regard to Cairns’ new youth jail, with some citizens angry there hasn’t been more information shared.

Edmonton residents are demanding answers over Cairns’ new youth jail, with some citizens angry there hasn’t been more information shared.

It comes after Deputy Premier Steven Miles announced two weeks ago that Edmonton was currently the most probable site for the 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.

Edmonton resident Darrell West said people can’t be happy about it until the logistics of the jail are outlined.

“The truth of the fact is, we have a lot of youth crime … much like other suburbs here in Cairns,” Mr West said.

Edmonton is the proposed site for a new youth jail. Picture: Brendan Radke

“And nobody is denying that something needs to be done about it.”

“But 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?”

Mr West stated that it’s hard to keep trusting when there is no communication.

“They’re saying it’s therapeutic … but what does that mean? Will the kids be able to leave?” Mr West said.

“Because if so, we of course don’t want youth crime to spike in our suburb.

“A youth jail isn’t family friendly, and they’ve given us nothing to form an opinion off.”

Division 2 Councillor Rob Pyne was vocal about keeping the youth jail out of the area.

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

Division 2 Councillor Rob Pyne was vocal about keeping the youth jail out of the area. Picture: Isaac McCarthy

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

“It’s not that I don’t think it should be in Edmonton, I’m just not sure there should be one at all.”

Cairns MP Michael Healy was confident there will be consultation with the community.

“We need to ensure people are acutely aware of what actually it is and what is happening,” Mr Healy said.

“I don’t expect it to be any more than 40 beds (and) I expect it to be quite a therapeutic centre from what I’m hearing.

“But I think the best thing is we’ll wait and hear with the minister because there are people out there that are making these inquiries putting a document together to make recommendations.”

Southside resident Toni Rendina said that although Edmonton wasn’t ideal, it needed to have a place in Cairns.

“I’m in my 60s and honestly, it’s only been the last 5 years that I’ve had to be careful of my car, hide my belongings and lock all my doors,” MS Rendina said.

“Something needs to be done, and if it’s here then that’s where it is.”

“If they can’t leave the jail then what does it matter.”

Local shop worker Mark, who did not want his last name used to keep the shop anonymous, said that if the jail has security, then it won’t be a worry to the community.

“It’s going to be a jail, and there is security in jail, so I’m not worried that youth crime will spike,” he said.

“It’s not like the kids will be running the streets, and it needs to go somewhere.”

Originally published as Edmonton residents are demanding answers on the new youth jail