Local residents will have the opportunity to join a Community Reference Group that will provide a link between the community and the project team during construction of Western Australia’s new youth detention facility in Canning Vale.
The Department of Justice is inviting expressions of interest for the group, which will provide updates on the construction of the $158.5 million facility and give community members an opportunity to ask questions and provide feedback during the project.
Preliminary works are already underway to prepare the site next to Banksia Hill Detention Centre. Construction is expected to begin in early 2027, with the facility targeted for completion in 2028.
The new standalone facility will accommodate high-needs, high-risk young people in a secure therapeutic setting designed to support their rehabilitation and reintegration.
Corrective Services Commissioner Brad Royce said the group would provide a forum for two-way communication between the Department and the local community during construction.
“It will help inform the community about upcoming works and how impacts of construction activities will be managed, as well as provide a point of contact for questions, feedback and local insights,” he said.
Roadworks will be carried out on Nicholson Road to build a new entrance to the Banksia Hill Detention Centre precinct. Roads will remain open, but motorists should expect changed traffic conditions during the works.
Construction is expected to take place between 7am and 7pm, Monday to Saturday.
The Department said it would work with the City of Gosnells to manage dust, noise and traffic impacts while maintaining safe access for local residents. It said no concerns had been raised to date.
The Community Reference Group will have up to 20 members, including local residents, local government representatives and community organisations. If there are more applications than places available, applicants will be assessed against the selection criteria, with the Department making the final decision on membership.
The Department said relevant updates and information shared with the Community Reference Group would also be published on the New Youth Detention Facility webpage.
City of Gosnells Chief Executive Officer Ian Cowie said the Community Reference Group was an initiative of the Department of Justice and referred questions about the group’s purpose, membership and community consultation to the Department.
Mr Cowie said the City’s only role had been to review the Department’s development application and provide comments to the Western Australian Planning Commission as part of the statutory planning process. The application was approved by the Commission in October 2025.
The new facility is part of the State Government’s $426 million investment in youth justice infrastructure over the past four years, which also includes upgrades and the construction of a Crisis Care Unit at Banksia Hill.
Expressions of interest to join the Community Reference Group close on Friday, July 24.
