Published Tuesday, 03 June, 2008 at 03:31 PM
Minister for Communities, Disability Services, ATSIP, Multicultural Affairs, Seniors and Youth
The Honourable Lindy Nelson-Carr
$11.4 million to increase detention centre capacity in North Queensland
The Queensland Government will boost youth detention capacity in North Queensland, with an $11.4 million commitment in the 2008-09 State Budget.
Communities and Youth Minister Lindy Nelson-Carr said the funding would enable the purchase of land in Townsville and planning to get underway for the best model to deliver the extra detention capacity.
"This is not about a lock-and-key approach to combating youth crime, it’s about continuing our rehabilitation focus on youth justice, while responding to population growth and a rise in demand," Ms Nelson-Carr said.
"Detention is a last resort generally used for serious offenders. In those cases it protects the community and also provides the opportunity for rehabilitation of young offenders to get their lives back on track."
Ms Nelson-Carr said the extra capacity would build on the State’s current youth detention centre capacity of 150 permanent beds, which is the combined total of Brisbane (102) and Cleveland in Townsville (48).
A business case is well advanced to determine the best model of providing the 48 additional bed capacity. An extension to the existing facility at Cleveland, Townsville, will be the main focus of the business case.
"Further details of the extended capacity will be announced later this year, once all the options have been thoroughly considered," said the Minister.
"Having the additional detention centre places in Townsville will ensure young people receive the educational, vocational and therapeutic services they need to address their offending behaviours and welfare needs.
"Remaining closer to home also means young offenders from northern Queensland can receive greater support from their families, and this provides a better chance for them to become valuable members of the community and reach their full potential."
Ms Nelson-Carr said the funding commitment was further evidence the Bligh Government was serious about supporting young Queenslanders and building a future for them.
"Townsville is the obvious choice for the expanded capacity because it has existing infrastructure and of course local professional expertise."
Media Contact: Minister’s office 3235 4280
Communities and Youth Minister Lindy Nelson-Carr said the funding would enable the purchase of land in Townsville and planning to get underway for the best model to deliver the extra detention capacity.
"This is not about a lock-and-key approach to combating youth crime, it’s about continuing our rehabilitation focus on youth justice, while responding to population growth and a rise in demand," Ms Nelson-Carr said.
"Detention is a last resort generally used for serious offenders. In those cases it protects the community and also provides the opportunity for rehabilitation of young offenders to get their lives back on track."
Ms Nelson-Carr said the extra capacity would build on the State’s current youth detention centre capacity of 150 permanent beds, which is the combined total of Brisbane (102) and Cleveland in Townsville (48).
A business case is well advanced to determine the best model of providing the 48 additional bed capacity. An extension to the existing facility at Cleveland, Townsville, will be the main focus of the business case.
"Further details of the extended capacity will be announced later this year, once all the options have been thoroughly considered," said the Minister.
"Having the additional detention centre places in Townsville will ensure young people receive the educational, vocational and therapeutic services they need to address their offending behaviours and welfare needs.
"Remaining closer to home also means young offenders from northern Queensland can receive greater support from their families, and this provides a better chance for them to become valuable members of the community and reach their full potential."
Ms Nelson-Carr said the funding commitment was further evidence the Bligh Government was serious about supporting young Queenslanders and building a future for them.
"Townsville is the obvious choice for the expanded capacity because it has existing infrastructure and of course local professional expertise."
Media Contact: Minister’s office 3235 4280