Locals rally against Werribee South prison
UPDATE: PREMIER Daniel Andrews insists a “thorough process” determined Werribee South was the most suitable location for a new youth detention centre and says it will be the most secure ever built.
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UPDATE: PREMIER Daniel Andrews says he understands community concerns about plans to build a youth detention centre in Werribee South, but it is the most suitable location for the facility.
So high is the fury at the government’s decision to build a jail on their doorstep that thousands of residents made their feelings felt on Monday night.
As farmers took to suburban streets to make some noise against plans to build a youth detention centre in Werribee South, thousands of residents cheered as 27 tractors revved engines and honked horns through the town’s centre.
Mr Andrews said a “thorough process” had deemed the site as the most suitable location.
“I understand people feel very strongly about these issues, but this is going to be the most secure facility that has ever been built,” Mr Andrews said.
“It is going to create thousands of jobs, not just in the construction phase but in an ongoing sense as well.
“It is on land the government owns and there is a substantial buffer and this is a facility that we need.
“We will continue to talk with the council and other stakeholders in the local community to get the best outcome for jobs and to make sure we build the very best facility possible.”
During last night’s rally the political protest took aim at the Andrews Government, with one suggestion the new youth prison could be called “Tim’s Palace” — the new $288 million jail being built near their homes.
One protester held up a toilet seat with a sign attached saying: “Daniel Andrews take note ... this is the only seat you’ll be getting at the next election”.
Another labelled treasurer Tim Pallas as a “parasite”. Mr Pallas — who previously served as chief of staff to Premier Steve Bracks — was elected as the member for Tarneit in 2006.
He switched to represent Werribee at the 2014 state election, comprehensively winning the seat with 65.66 per cent of the two-party preferred vote — a margin of 15 per cent.
The rally comes after the Andrews Government announced a 224-bed high security facility would be built in Werribee South to house the state’s worst youth criminals. The proposed site is just 700m from family backyards.
Children held banners saying “Don’t make us grow up next to a prison” while long-time Werribee residents spoke of their “disgust” at not being consulted. The crowd cheered when Wyndham Mayor Henry Barlow took to the stage and declared the council would strongly oppose the jail.
“There’s no doubt we’ve been short-changed on this deal,” Mr Barlow said. “Our farming community will not take this lying down.”
A young schoolgirl also took to the stage and pleaded with the government.
“Please keep your dirt away from our garden,” she said. “Werribee South is the garden. The detention centre is the dirt.”
Mr Pallas, said last night the government was now consulting with community and local council as to final design and location.
“We will continue to work closely with Wyndham City Council and the local community to ensure the facility incorporates community feedback as well as exploring opportunities for new transport and community infrastructure,” he said.
“The government chose the Werribee South location as the preferred site, based on an extensive business case that looked at a range of sites and evaluated them.”
Vegetable farmer John Costa said he is concerned for his family’s safety if the jail goes ahead.
“My young one’s already getting scared and asking if there are going to be prisoners living next door,” Mr Costa, 43, said.
“The main concern is if there are riots or escapees. They could be running through our backyards.”
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