A controversial youth prison will be built next to the Werribee tip after the Andrews government caved in to public outcry and moved the site from Werribee South.
The centre will now be built on Melbourne Water-owned land at Cherry Creek following community backlash to the preferred site at Werribee South, an area earmarked for economic development.
More Victoria News Videos
- Video duration
- 00:30
Werribee youth prison set to move
Werribee youth prison set to move
After a public outcry over Victorian government plans to build a youth prison in Werribee South, it will now likely be built beside the Werribee tip. Vision courtesy Seven News Melbourne
Up Next
Alleged tram rape attacker was out on bail
- Video duration
- 01:37
- Video duration
- 01:37
Alleged tram rape attacker was out on bail
Alleged tram rape attacker was out on bail
A 22-year-old woman was allegedly raped repeatedly outside the St Vincent's Hospital after the stranger followed her off the tram on Thursday morning. Vision courtesy: Seven News Melbourne.
Up Next
Bruce McAvaney reveals leukaemia diagnosis
- Video duration
- 00:37
- Video duration
- 00:37
Bruce McAvaney reveals leukaemia diagnosis
Bruce McAvaney reveals leukaemia diagnosis
63-year-old Channel Seven commentator Bruce McAvaney has revealed he was diagnosed with chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL) over two years ago. Vision courtesy: Seven News Melbourne.
Up Next
Tanami Nayler's drink-driving killer gets 11 years' jail
- Video duration
- 01:25
- Video duration
- 01:25
Tanami Nayler's drink-driving killer gets ...
Tanami Nayler's drink-driving killer gets 11 years' jail
Nicholas Davison was sentenced to 11 years' in prison on Friday for killing Sydney woman Tanami Nayler, 24, in a hit-run crash in West Melbourne on July 30 last year. Vision courtesy ABC News 24.
Up Next
Lort Smith Animal Hospital
- Video duration
- 02:01
- Video duration
- 02:01
Lort Smith Animal Hospital
Lort Smith Animal Hospital
CEO David Herman talks about his plans for Lort Smith, the only animal hospital in Australia, and how he has brought his experience from the private sector to a charity he is passionate about.
Up Next
Fatal crash on Calder creates traffic chaos
- Video duration
- 00:24
- Video duration
- 00:24
Fatal crash on Calder creates traffic ...
Fatal crash on Calder creates traffic chaos
One person has died in a multi-vehicle smash on the Calder as two separate car fires across Melbourne bring peak-hour traffic to a standstill. Courtesy Seven Melbourne.
Up Next
Inside Hazelwood power station
- Video duration
- 01:06
- Video duration
- 01:06
Inside Hazelwood power station
Inside Hazelwood power station
Unit Controller John Soles will probably be forced to retire after 18 years working at Australia's dirtiest coal-fired power plant, which officially closes at the end of March.
Up Next
Argumentative arsonist's video
- Video duration
- 00:57
- Video duration
- 00:57
Argumentative arsonist's video
Argumentative arsonist's video
A court viewed a YouTube video made by Brendan Davies who was found guilty of five counts of arson, after long and drawn-out trial.
Werribee youth prison set to move
After a public outcry over Victorian government plans to build a youth prison in Werribee South, it will now likely be built beside the Werribee tip. Vision courtesy Seven News Melbourne
Cherry Creek is the working title for the prison, which will be built on the windswept dry plains north of the Princes Freeway, 1.5 kilometres from the Werribee Tip.
There was no smell at the site on Wednesday morning when the wind blew strongly from the north. Â
Youth Affairs Minister Jenny Mikakos who said the prison may be named after a prominent Victorian.Â
It remains in the Wyndham Council area, and a shuttle bus will be provided to the closest train station six kilometres away at Little River to help family visit inmates.
Ms Mikakos said the prison would be built within the current budget of $228 million, and within the same build schedule, by the end of 2020.
Despite the political damage caused in the western suburbs by the original site, Ms Mikakos said she was not embarrassed by the backdown.
"This demonstrates that we are a government that listens...this is a sign of a healthy democratic process," Ms Mikakos said.
Facing an electoral backlash in his safe seat, Treasurer and local MP Tim Pallas said he was "very" relieved by the decision.
"We've listened to the community and adjusted our thinking accordingly," Mr Pallas said.
Negotiations for the land with Melbourne Water about the land transfer are yet to be finalised.
Wyndham Mayor Henry Barlow was thrilled with the result and said the centre would provide an economic boon for the area.
The new site was not on the surplus land register but after consultation with council and Melbourne Water the site was made available.
"This is a very good site," Ms Mikakos said.
The larger site is one kilometre from major roads and is outside the urban growth boundary meaning houses won't be built close to the facility.
Ms Mikakos said there were half a dozen homes two kilometres from the new prison site.
Opposition Leader Matthew Guy said the decision was "a panicked decision from a desperate Daniel Andrews".
"It is little wonder Daniel Andrews has lost control of Victoria's justice system when he keeps lurching from one crisis to another with indecision and panic," Mr Guy said.