Malmsbury residents now have a forum to voice opinions on happenings at the town’s detention centre.
The state government has established a Community Advisory Group (CAG) to inform the community about operations at Malmsbury Youth Justice Precinct, and to hear what the group has to say about them.
The creation of the advisory group comes after more than 15 inmates escaped the centre last year, but the government said it had been set up to specifically deal with the facility’s 32-bed expansion and building a more secure perimeter fence.
Macedon MP Mary-Anne Thomas said Malmsbury residents were “passionate about all aspects of their town”.
“The CAG will ensure their views on the operation and expansion of Malmsbury Youth Justice Precinct are heard,” she said.
Minister for Families and Children Jenny Mikakos said it was important the community had a say about the precinct.
She said the CAG included a broad cross-section of the local community such as representatives from the Koori community, police, the CFA, Macedon Ranges council and the Victorian Department of Justice and Regulation.
Members will be required to attend regular meetings to identify concerns relating to the precinct and provide advice on issues raised by the expansion works.
They will also advise on the sustainability of the young offenders’ rehabilitation programs in the community.
Plans for Malmsbury Youth Justice Precinct’s expansion have been approved by Macedon Ranges council and Kane Constructions has been contracted for the job.
