A best-practice, therapeutic design has been unveiled with the release of the new Tasmanian Youth Justice Facility masterplan.
The secure facility, to be located at 466 Brighton Road, Pontville, will deliver 16 residential beds with the ability to expand in the future, if demand requires.
The facility also includes two treatment beds in a health centre and two orientation beds for new arrivals.
The new facility is designed to ensure the safety of the community as well staff and residents, as well as addressing the individual needs and risk factors of young offenders.
Minister for Children and Young People, Roger Jaensch, said the new Facility has been designed to deliver a child-centred and therapeutic model of care, while keeping the community safe.
"This is a significant milestone towards closing the Ashley Youth Detention Centre and delivering on our Youth Justice Blueprint and Commission of Inquiry commitments," Minister Jaensch said.
"The new Facility's design focuses on supporting the education and other services young people need to live positive lives and avoid re-offending when they return to the community.
"The Tasmanian Government is investing in diversion and early intervention programs to reduce offending, and this Facility will play an important role in supporting rehabilitation and keeping the community safe.
"We have listened to feedback from the local community, ensuring buildings are close to residential proportions, are connected with the rural setting of the land, and blend in with the landscape."
Completion of the facility, and closure of Ashley Youth Detention Centre, as soon as possible will be supported by the Youth Justice Facility Development Bill, which will be tabled in Parliament on May 6.
The Bill provides for the development to be assessed by the Southern Midlands Council under the normal LUPAA process, including a public exhibition period and community representations but will streamline the process.
"There is enormous support and expectation for this project to be delivered as soon as possible, and significant work has been done to deliver a site and design that meets these expectations," Minister Jaensch said.
"This Bill will ensure the facility can be delivered in 2027. Without it, the project could be delayed for a further 12 months or prevented from proceeding at all."
The facility will be delivered through the Youth Justice Facility Development Bill, which will be tabled in Parliament on May 6.
"We need to get this built and operational, and this Bill will ensure it is progressed in the fastest possible timeline," Minister Jaensch said.
The upcoming State Budget will include approximately $150 million for Tasmanian Youth Justice Facilities, including the new facility at Pontville.
The masterplan can be viewed here. The Bill and the masterplan are open for public consultation until May 25.
