Rioting at the Villawood Detention Centre in Sydney has ignited more concerns about plans for a centre in southern Tasmania.
Angry residents shouted down Government officials at a community meeting last night over plans to open an immigration detention centre.
About 150 people packed the Pontville Hall, north of Hobart, to discuss the plans to upgrade former army barracks to house or up to 400 asylum seekers from Iran, Iraq, Afghanistan and Sri Lanka.
David Kernke, who owns an historic property nearby, remains totally opposed to it.
Mr Kernke said this morning he feared riots similar to the overnight clashes at Villawood.
“I mean, we were at the meeting last night and we spoke about this and we were given assurances that Serco are very good operators,” he said.
“Anyway, we get up this morning turn on the television, we see images of Villawood ablaze and several buildings being destroyed so, you know, not a good look.”
“We should not be having a detention centre here at Pontville at all. End of story.”
Brighton’s acting mayor Graeme Taylor agrees.
“They’re going to try and get out or protest or prove their point.”
He says the issue has been handled badly.
“A little bit more consultation will go a long way,” he said.
Randolph Wierenga from the Police Association says officers would be stretched to deal with violence at Pontville, particularly in light of budget restraints.
Earlier on Tasmanian Times: Pontville. Foster welcoming. Wilkie wary. Lawyers cautious.Pontville. Foster welcoming. Wilkie wary. Lawyers cautious.
