Werribee South residents have expressed outrage at the prospect of a youth justice facility in their suburb saying it will be devastating for the region.

The Age newspaper reports a 250 bed facility will be announced within weeks, in response to a string of violent riots, fights, escapes and damning reviews of the Malmsbury and Parkville facilities. 

The $250 million high security facility would double the state’s capacity to accommodate youth offenders.

Fresh Select’s managing director John Said, the biggest producer in the area, said the location was ‘absolutely ridiculous.’

‘It is absolutely devastating for residents in Werribee South when you’ve got one of the largest tourist precincts in the area,’ he told Neil Mitchell.

He slammed the move as a kneejerk reaction by the government to appease an angry, scared public.

President of the Ratepayers of Werribee South Dr Jo Garra told Ross and John he expects security will be the biggest concern.

‘I’m a bit shocked and bemused,’ he said.

‘I know the residents will be worried about people breaking out.’

He said he was unsure of the exact details or location, and said he had reached out to the local member, Tim Pallas, to ask ‘why us?’

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