Tag: youth detention Queensland

Wacol Youth Remand Centre Holds Alexandra Hills Teen Over Pacific Motorway Charges

Photo Credit: MODE

The Wacol Youth Remand Centre is currently holding a 17-year-old Alexandra Hills boy as court proceedings continue over charges linked to a serious Pacific Motorway crash.

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Teen Remains On Remand In Wacol

The teenager is in custody at the Wacol Youth Remand Centre following his discharge from hospital. His matters were mentioned in Cleveland Children’s Court, where he did not appear and no application for bail was made.

No pleas have been entered. Indictable charges have been referred to Brisbane Children’s Court 38, with the case listed for mention on 9 March.

Alexandra Hills teen
Photo Credit: QPS/Facebook

Crash Allegations Before The Court

Police allege a stolen black Chery Tiggo wagon was involved in a multi-vehicle crash on the Pacific Motorway at Greenslopes at 4:13 a.m. on 22 February.

It is alleged the vehicle collided with a white Toyota Camry and a silver Mazda utility. The 17-year-old, alleged to have been driving the stolen vehicle, sustained a serious leg injury and was transported to Princess Alexandra Hospital.

The 40-year-old Toyota driver and 30-year-old Mazda driver were also taken to hospital as a precaution. The motorway was closed for more than 10 hours following the incident.

Police further allege the Chery Tiggo had been stolen from a Capalaba shopping complex on 16 February.

Court reporting has referred to injuries sustained in a crash dated 16 February, while police describe the crash at Greenslopes as occurring on 22 February.

Pacific Motorway crash
Photo Credit: QPS/Facebook

Charges Referred To Brisbane Children’s Court

The Alexandra Hills teen faces one count of dangerous operation of a motor vehicle. He has also been charged with unlawful use of a motor vehicle relating to publishing on social media, receiving tainted property, failing to ensure proper supervision while learning to drive, and three counts of stealing.

Additional matters alleging entering premises and committing an indictable offence by break and enter with intent to commit an indictable offence were also before the court. He remains on remand at the Wacol Youth Remand Centre while proceedings continue.

About The Wacol Youth Remand Centre

The Wacol Youth Remand Centre opened on 29 March 2025. The 76-bed facility forms part of Queensland’s youth detention network.

The centre includes security systems as well as access to education, vocational training, rehabilitation programs, health care and support services for young people held on remand.

Next Court Date

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The matter is due to be mentioned in Brisbane Children’s Court 38 on 9 March. The teen remains in custody at the Wacol Youth Remand Centre pending further proceedings.

Published 3-Mar-2026

Wacol Youth Remand Centre Set for Completion in Mid-2025

Construction of the Wacol Youth Remand Centre, a facility designed to tackle overcrowding in Queensland’s youth detention system, is now set for completion in mid-2025.

Read: Wacol Youth Remand Centre Takes Shape: Construction Progresses to Bolster Community Safety

Addressing an Urgent Need

Originally projected for completion by December 2024, the timeline for the Wacol Youth Remand Centre has been adjusted to accommodate detailed planning and ensure it meets the demands of the state’s youth justice system. The centre will provide much-needed detention space for young offenders, easing the strain on police watchhouses and other detention centres across Queensland.

The Wacol facility is a response to increasing youth crime and the resulting pressure on the state’s detention infrastructure. Reports indicate that current facilities are operating near capacity, with police watchhouses often holding young offenders for extended periods. This new centre aims to relieve those pressures by providing secure, purpose-built detention beds for young people awaiting court outcomes.

Wacol Youth Remand Centre
Photo Credit: QPS

Part of a Larger Strategy

The centre is one of several planned developments to address the state’s youth detention challenges. Additional centres, including a 50-bed remand facility at Woodford expected to be ready in 2027 and another in Cairns with an unspecified timeline, are also in the pipeline. 

Until these centres become operational, Wacol will serve as a vital stopgap measure to manage the growing population of youth offenders in detention.

The facility’s location near existing detention centres ensures that resources can be shared efficiently, and detainees will benefit from nearby rehabilitation services. This strategic positioning is expected to enhance the overall effectiveness of Queensland’s youth justice system.

Focus on Rehabilitation

The Wacol Youth Remand Centre programs will include education, mental health support, and cultural activities, addressing the root causes of youth crime. Authorities stress the importance of these services in helping young people turn their lives around while ensuring the safety of the community.

Young offenders detained at the Wacol facility will have access to Queensland Education programs, vocational training, and counselling services. These efforts aim to prepare detainees for reintegration into society and reduce the likelihood of reoffending.

Wacol Youth Remand Centre
Photo Credit: QPS

Managing Challenges and Expectations

The news comes amidst ongoing concerns about detention overcrowding, particularly during peak periods like the holiday season. Some have questioned whether the bed capacity will be sufficient to meet the demands of new laws targeting youth offending. However, officials maintain that the facility will provide much-needed relief and is a significant step toward improving the youth justice framework.

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While delays are inevitable in such projects, those overseeing the development remain confident that the Wacol centre will have a meaningful impact on both detention capacity and rehabilitation outcomes.

Published 13-January-2025