Prison announcement provides more certainty for the Meander Valley community

Today’s announcement by the Tasmanian Government to investigate the suitability of the Ashley Youth Detention Centre site for a northern correctional facility provides further certainty for Meander Valley residents.

Mayor Wayne Johnston said Council would continue to focus on ensuring the community was kept informed throughout the process.

“Council is encouraged to hear that there has been a strong response to the Government’s community consultation process with a large number of our residents providing feedback through various avenues,” Mayor Johnston said.

“Council will continue to advocate for meaningful and ongoing consultation with the community as the project progresses and we will be seeking regular briefings from the Minister so we can help relay this information to our residents.

“As a planning authority Council needs to keep an open mind but we do recognise there are both positive and negative aspects arising from the project.

“These include benefits to jobs and the economy and also impacts on neighbouring residents and these issues will need to be fully explored by the Government before any final decisions are made.

“We look forward to being provided with more details by the Tasmanian Government in due course.”