General News
29 July, 2025
Shire touted as ideal for detention centre
A YOUTH detention centre could be established near Mareeba, as opposition against the facility being built in the Cairns area continues to grow.
The issue came to the fore last week after Member for Mulgrave Terry James launched a petition to keep the detention centre out of his electorate.
Mr James suggested the facility be built in Mareeba, saying that Member for Cook David Kempton and Mareeba Shire Council were “keen” to see it built up here.
But Mr Kempton and council have been guarded in their support of the proposal.
Mr Kempton and Mareeba Acting Mayor Lenore Wyatt told The Express last week they wanted to seek the views of the community on the proposal before giving it official backing.
“I am aware Mayor Toppin has publicly announced support for the idea, and there is in principle support from other community groups,” Mr Kempton said.
“What I can say is that I support any proposal or project that provides employment opportunities within my electorate and assists in bringing the youth crime crisis under control.
“I have had preliminary discussions with both the Minister (Laura Gerber) and the Premier and understand that whilst no final decision has been made in respect of a youth detention centre, all options are being considered.
“If there is widespread support for the youth detention centre to be built in my electorate, I will certainly support it.”
Mr Kempton said it made sense to establish the detention centre within the Lotus Glen Correctional Centre precinct.
“Lotus Glen is located on 2,000 acres and already has a well-established farm, and with all the administration and support facilities in place, it would have to be worth further consideration,” he said.
“There are also many training and employment opportunities in the surrounding agricultural area, and being away from any built-up area should not attract much dissent.”
Mareeba Shire Acting Mayor Lenore Wyatt said the council had not been formally approached by the Queensland Government regarding any proposal to build a youth detention centre in the shire.
Cr Wyatt said while council recognised that youth crime remained a significant issue across Queensland, any potential proposal from the State Government would need to be carefully considered.
“Council acknowledges the importance of addressing youth crime and understands that the State Government may explore a range of options to do so,” she said.
“However, any consideration of a facility in our region must begin with a proposal and engagement with the local community.”
Cr Wyatt said council would be open to discussions should a proposal be put forward, but it would not form a position without first reviewing the full details and listening to the views of Mareeba Shire residents.
“There may be potential benefits, such as job creation and economic activity, particularly if a facility were located near existing infrastructure such as Lotus Glen,” she said.
“But ultimately, this is a matter that will require detailed review of any proposal which may be put forward by the State.”
Last week, Minister for Youth Justice and Victim Support Laura Gerber stressed that the government would not make a decision on the centre’s location until the community was properly consulted.
“My thoughts are that the community needs to be consulted first,” she said.
“We are a government that will not railroad community with decisions. We will always consult with the community on plans before making an announcement.”
