By Clay Lucas
The proposed site for a new juvenile jail in Melbourne's west is set to be moved by the Andrews government, following a massive backlash from Werribee locals to its planned location.
The Age revealed in January that a new high-security youth justice centre would be built in Werribee South following a string of violent uprisings at juvenile jails at Malmsbury and Parkville.
Protesters at last month's rally in Werribee. Credit: Wayne Taylor
Soon after the announcement, thousands rallied in Werribee's main street against the Werribee South plan, which would have seen the new jail built within hundreds of metres of homes, farms and school sports ovals.
Protesters at last month's meeting arrived in a convoy of tractors, and particularly targeted their local member Tim Pallas, referring to the planned jail as "Tim's Palace". Mr Pallas won 66 per cent of the vote at the 2014 election in the ultra-safe Labor seat.
Thousands rallied in Werribee's main street last month to protest against the planned youth prison. Credit: Wayne Taylor
Wyndham Council fiercely opposed the government's proposed site, saying it was inappropriate because it was a gateway to the precinct that includes tourism drawcards Werribee Open Range Zoo and Werribee Mansion.
The council has now been told by government officers that it is highly likely the proposed location of the new jail will be moved to a different site to the west of Werribee, potentially to an area once known as Cocoroc.
Neither the government nor Wyndham Council could confirm the plan on Tuesday.
Last month, the government issued a media release stating that there would be "a $288 million fit-for-purpose, high security youth justice centre [built] in Werribee South". It referred to South Werribee as "the preferred site for the new facility ... because the land is government-owned, it's close to health and education services, and there is a significant buffer between the preferred site and residential areas".
On Tuesday night, a spokeswoman for the government said that Werribee South was only the preferred location for the new jail and that it was working with the community on a final site.
Federal Labor MP Joanne Ryan came out against the planned the location of the planned 250-bed youth detention centre soon after it was announced by the Andrews government in February.
Mr Pallas and Jenny Mikakos, the Minister for Youth Affairs, will hold a media conference in Werribee at 9am today.