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'Build it in Portsea and see how they like it': Werribee not sold on youth jail

Suggestions that a youth jail might be built on a greenfield site  in one of the fastest growing suburbs in Victoria has drawn the ire of locals.

The state government is planning a new youth detention centre with Fairfax Media reporting on Tuesday it the 250-bed centre would be built in Werribee South.

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New youth detention centre for Victoria

The Andrews government will build the centre in Werribee South after repeated warnings about overcrowding at the Malmsbury and Parkville facilities. (Video courtesy: Seven News Melbourne)

Transport Minister Jacinta Allan wouldn't confirm a location for the new centre on Wednesday, saying only that "details are being worked through".

But Werribee residents were up in arms about the suggestion that it could be in Melbourne's outer west.

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"Why does every government think it's a God-given right to dump everything in the west? Build it in Portsea and see how they like it," Valentina Ross said on Facebook.

Writing on the Point Cook Residents' United Facebook page Marianna Costa said: "The west of Melbourne continues to be a repository for all Victoria's problems." 

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And Marcus Moser said "this sounds like a bad joke".

Dr Jo Garra, the president of the ratepayers of Werribee South told Radio 3AW that he expects security will be the biggest concern.

"I'm a bit shocked and bemused," he said.

"I know the residents will be worried about people breaking out."

Wyndham City Council chief Kelly Grigsby says she hasn't been notified of any plans.

"We will be seeking an urgent meeting with the state government to discuss the matter," Ms Grigsby said.

Opposition leader Matthew Guy suggested it would be smarter to expand the existing youth justice centres in Malmsbury, Parkville and Barwon.

"Why are we building a new facility on the doorstop of one of the fastest growing growth corridors in Australia?" he asked.

Werribee South farmland produces some of Victoria's cauliflower, broccoli and spinach crops.

Fresh Select's managing director John Said, the biggest producer in the area, told 3AW that building a detention centre in the suburb would be "absolutely ridiculous."

"It is absolutely devastating for residents in Werribee South when you've got one of the largest tourist precincts in the area," he said.

The government has been under pressure to combat a rise in riots in its juvenile justice centres over the past 18 months.

Last week 15 youths escaped the Malmsbury youth justice centre while the Parkville centre was trashed last year, diminishing its capacity.

AAP

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