Government abandons Westbury site for northern prison

The government has formally abandoned plans to build a northern prison at Westbury in northern Tasmania, with Ashley Youth Detention Centre now planned as its new location.

THE state government has formally abandoned plans to build a northern prison on Crown Land near Westbury in northern Tasmania, Attorney-General Elise Archer said.

In state parliament this morning, Ms Archer said public consultation had been carried out on a proposal to build the prison on the site of the Ashley Youth Detention Centre, which is due to close.

“The Ashley site is now the only site we are considering for the northern correctional facility,” Ms Archer told parliament.

Westbury Residents Against the Prison president Linda Poulton chants 'no prison' at a community meeting regarding the Government's new preferred prison site at Bushy Rivulet on Birralee Rd. Picture: PATRICK GEE

“We will halt the work being conducted at the Crown Land site at Biralee Road.”

Plans to build the prison at the Westbury site have been controversial with some local residents and have raised concerns over the protection of rare fauna at the site.

Ms Archer said it was clear opponents would not change their views.

She said there has been 143 people attend community consultation sessions and 125 written submissions.

“The consultation process has provided a comprehensive overview of community attitudes within the Meander Valley, and for a proposal of this nature, there is an encouraging level of community support for the AYDC site to be considered.

Ashley Youth Detention Centre. PICTURE CHRIS KIDD

“As a result, we will now commence due diligence investigations at the AYDC site, which will involve continued engagement with local landholders and the community.”

“This important project will ensure the Tasmania Prison Service has modern, fit for purpose, secure facilities that allow for a strong focus on rehabilitation for offenders who are progressing through their sentences and starting to prepare for reintegration into the community.”

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