Expansion for region’s youth camp

A TOOWOOMBA region camp that houses young people going through or likely to go through the justice system looks set to expand.

The region’s councillors endorsed a plan to enter into a new lease with the Department of Justice and Attorney General on various parcels of council land at Perseverance Dam.

The centre provides youth justice programs in addition to the current business of hosting camps and events for schools, community groups, non-government organisations, church groups and other government agencies.

The department is the trustee for a reserve of land on Perseverance Dam Rd and is seeking to redevelop a parcel. Under the terms the lease would be for 10 years.

A council officer said the camp would house Youth Justice clients, defined as “someone within or likely to be within the Youth Justice system”.

Cr Nancy Sommerfield asked if it would be similar to a bootcamp.

She was told it would not be a jail, as younger offenders were not usually put in prison.

“Bootcamp is for kids who are in jail, whereas the youth detentions are for those likely to go into the system,” a council officer said.

Cr Sommerfield asked if there was a potential for danger for neighbours to the camp.

Toowoomba Regional Council environment and community general manager Nick Hauser said the camp would be closely monitored.

He said the camp was for kids “trying to get their lives back on track”.

The Chronicle understands part of the expansion will involve the construction of a ropes course.

The vision for the centre is to become a transition, skills and training centre for Youth Justice clients.