The Mid North Coast Correctional Centre is expanding to a maximum security facility with 400 more beds to be built as part of the NSW Government' $3.8 billion investment in new correctional centres. The new unit, which is still subject to planning and environmental approval, is due to be online by mid 2018.
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It is expected that 110 permanent new jobs will be created at the jail, in addition to work generated by the building program itself.
More than 2,380 additional jobs will be created as part of the NSW Government’s prison infrastructure program, boosting regional investment and improving community safety.
Minister for Corrections David Elliott today announced more than 4,165 beds will be delivered over the next three years as part of the first tranche of projects announced in the Budget.
It includes modular cells with 250 beds at Bathurst and 400 beds at Kempsey, and 480 beds at Junee, 240 at Emu Plains and 360 at Nowra.
Corrective Services is consulting with the community on plans to expand Cessnock by 1,000 beds and work is about to begin on a 400-bed ‘rapid build’ high security prison in Wellington.
In addition, work is underway to convert the former Juniperina Juvenile Detention Centre at Lidcombe to an adult women’s prison, and recommissioned prisons at Berrima and Unanderra will open next month and in January respectively.
“The NSW Government has committed $3.8 billion over four years to increase the capacity of the correctional system. These beds support our reform program to lift standards, strengthen accountability and reduce reoffending,” Mr Elliott said.
Work is also continuing on the 1700-bed New Grafton Correctional Centre to open in 2020 and the 650-bed extension of Parklea to open in late 2018.
“This expansion program will create more than 2,380 new jobs, including highly-trained correctional officers and administrative staff, and have a positive impact on local businesses through increased trade,” Mr Elliott said.
Corrective Services Commissioner Peter Severin said Corrective Services had developed the innovative design for the rapid build prisons and that four would be built across the state.
“The rapid build prisons have been designed with the aim of improving inmate productivity and ensuring they are participating in programs to reduce reoffending, education or work for up to 12 hours a day,” Commissioner Severin said.
Images of new rapid build prison available athttps://spaces.hightail.com/space/YZpcQ, flyover animation of rapid build prison https://spaces.hightail.com/space/YZpcQ
