Local residents and businesses will be asked for input into the master planning and design of Tasmania’s new youth justice detention facility. Following the state government’s announcement that 466 Brighton Road, Pontville is the preferred site for the new facility, the Department for Education, Children and Young People has commenced further site assessments.

Minister for Education, Children and Youth, Roger Jaensch said that although the site was not in the Brighton local government area, it was important the local community was kept informed about the project. “One of the key steps will be seeking input from surrounding property owners, community groups and businesses into the site master planning process, including site layout, buffering and landscaping,” said Minister Jaensch.

The new facility will be smaller than the existing Ashley Youth Detention Centre at Deloraine. Subject to the further site assessments, early works are expected to commence in 2024. These works will include power, sewer, water and NBN infrastructure, as well as extensive landscaping to establish screening vegetation.

A regular newsletter will be available from early 2024, which will be available on the Department’s website at www. decyp.tas.gov.au. For further information, or questions about the project, please email getinvolved@decyp.tas.gov.au.