The Tasmanian Government announced in September 2021 that the Ashley Youth Detention Centre would close and be replaced by new fit-for-purpose facilities.
The Draft Youth Justice Facilities Model (PDF, 462KB) released in late 2022 identified the need for five new purpose-built facilities.
- One detention facility in the south
- Two support centres (working title), one in the north and one in the south
- Two assisted bail facilities (working title), one in the north and one in the south.
Extensive public consultation was undertaken from 23 March to 4 May 2023 so that all stakeholders and the community had the opportunity to provide their feedback on three shortlisted sites for a new detention facility. Based on feedback received through the consultation process and the final report from the Commission of Inquiry into the Tasmanian Government’s Responses to Child Sexual Abuse in Institutional Settings, the preferred site for the new facility is 466 Brighton Road (between Pontville and Mangalore) (PDF, 502KB), subject to more detailed site assessments.
The criteria for determining suitability of this site includes:
- Located in the greater Hobart region, within reasonable driving distance from the Hobart CBD
- Located away from schools and major residential areas
- Site size greater than two hectares
- Government-owned
- Appropriately zoned under the relevant Tasmanian Planning Scheme as a permitted or discretionary use.
Click to view the Community Engagement Outcomes Report (PDF, 27MB) for the new youth detention facility site options.
Subject to the outcomes of the further site assessments at 466 Brighton Road, design work for the new facility will commence. A Community Reference Group will also be established for local stakeholders to provide input into the site master planning and design processes to maximise the visual amenity of the facility and minimise direct line of sight from surrounding areas.
The Tasmanian Government has allocated $50 million to progress delivery of these new youth justice facilities.
For more information on Youth Justice Reform in Tasmania, or to become a member of the Community Reference Group, please email yjreform@decyp.tas.gov.au