The Planning Minister has carefully considered the findings of the Northern Territory Planning Commission regarding the rezoning application for a new Youth Justice Centre and Rehabilitation Precinct, and has declined the application.

This is a Government that listens and has followed an open and transparent planning process to get the best outcome for the community.

Consideration was given to a range of matters, including:

• Concerns from the community through the planning process and consultation;
• Potential impacts to existing industrial land sites; and
• Potential impacts to traffic and essential services.

The Territory Government undertook a comprehensive analysis of potential site options for the new Youth Justice Centre and Darwin Rehabilitation Precinct, including both Crown and privately owned sites.

A preferred site was needed before the statutory planning process could commence to confirm the suitability of the site.

The decision to not proceed with the Pinelands site does not have an impact on the current design work already underway, and led by local company Bennett Design.

The new secure and purpose-built youth justice facility will make our communities safer by breaking the cycle of crime.

The Territory Government will now seek an alternative site for the new Youth Justice Centre and Rehabilitation Precinct, which will replace the current Don Dale Youth Detention Centre.

Quotes from the Minister for Infrastructure, Planning and Logistics, Eva Lawler:

“The Territory Labor Government has listened to the community and the feedback from the rezoning process.

“Based on the evidence in front of me, I have acted in the best interest of the local community in declining the rezoning application for the Youth Justice Centre and Rehabilitation Precinct in Pinelands.”

Quotes from the Minister for Territory Families, Dale Wakefield:

“The Territory Labor Government will continue on our reform journey to overhaul the broken youth justice system, put at-risk young people back on the right path and away from a lifetime of crime.

“The decision not to proceed with the Pinelands site says to Territorians that we are listening to their concerns and acting decisively. We will now be looking at alternative sites for the new Darwin Youth Justice Centre.

“Selection for the new site will have criteria which includes easy access for family visits to ensure that at-risk young people are connected to family, culture and community, as well as for professional service providers.”

Media Contact:  

Ellie Clancy 0436 646 689

Paige Nguyen 0428 727 244