When asked if he supports a youth detention centre being built in the Mareeba Shire, David Kempton the Member for Cook, said he will seek the view of the community on the matter before taking a position.
If a youth detention centre were to be established in the Cook electorate, the obvious location would be within the Lotus Glen precinct.
Lotus Glen is situated on 2,000 acres and already features a well-established farm. With all necessary administration and support facilities in place, it would be worth further consideration.
There are also many training and employment opportunities in the surrounding agricultural area, and being away from any built-up area should not attract much dissent.
I am aware Mayor Toppin has publicly announced support for the idea, and there is, in principle, support from other community groups.
What I can say is that I support any proposal or project that provides employment opportunities within my electorate and assists in bringing the youth crime crisis under control.
I have had preliminary discussions with both the Minister and the Premier and understand that whilst no final decision has been made in respect of a youth detention centre, all options are being considered.
If there is widespread support for the youth detention centre to be built in my electorate, I will certainly support it.