Troubled Victorian youth prison to be shut down

Minister for Youth Justice Enver Erdogan said staff had been notified of the closure on Tuesday. 

"It comes at an ideal time because our youth justice system is experiencing the lowest numbers in custody this century," Mr Ergogan said. 

"As of yesterday, there are 100 young people in custody in Victoria."

Malmsbury has been operational since 1965 and has battled problems for years, with inmate riots, staff shortages and escapes.

By the end of the year there will be 56 people aged between 15 and 18 years of age at Cherry Creek and others moved to Parkville Correctional Centre.