Council seeking commitments from the Tasmanian Government on Northern Regional Prison Proposal

Council has followed through with commitments made at the recent public meeting about the Tasmanian Government’s Northern Regional Prison proposal.

Council considered the representations and views from the meeting at its last meeting and recorded its thanks to the community for their opinions and the respectful way in which they were put forward.

Mayor Wayne Johnston said Council formally set aside historic representations in relation to previously considered sites and expressions of interest.

“This effectively clears the slate for a new and contemporary consideration of the prison proposal,” Mayor Johnston said.

Mayor Johnston also confirmed that Council had written to Minister Elise Archer about the meeting and process going forward.

“Council is advocating for open and timely engagement with the community before final decisions are made. Council wants more engagement with the Meander Valley community on the pros and cons of a northern prison.

“We also asked the Government to update the socio-economic and environmental studies done for the original northern prison site proposal to reflect the Brushy Rivulet Reserve, Birralee, site variation.”

Council does not have a position on any site specific for a prison and is yet to discuss the implications of closing the Ashley Youth Detention Centre.

“The Government’s recent decision to close the Ashley Youth Detention Centre and stated willingness to consider it as a possible alternative site for a prison does not change the need to involve the community and keep them informed.

“The messages about consultation and better information expressed in the public meeting hold true for any proposed location and Council will continue to advocate for an informed community.”

Council is looking forward to a response from the Tasmanian Government on its requests and will update the community once more information is received.

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