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The first sod on a multi-million expansion of the South Coast Correctional Centre has been turned.
Minister for Corrections David Elliott, Corrective Services NSW Commissioner Peter Severin were joined by parliamentary secretary for the Illawarra and South Coast Gareth Ward and South Coast MP Shelley Hancock in marking the start of work.
Almost 300 jobs and millions of dollars will be invested in the Shoalhaven community as construction begins on the expansion of the South Coast Correctional Centre.
The South Nowra jail is a 600 bed male facility, which will grow to 960 inmates after the expansion.
A further 160 maximum and 200 minimum security beds will be created as part of the NSW Government’s $3.8 billion Prison Bed Capacity Program, announced last June.
“This expansion will not only create additional capacity in the system, but will bring about 300 jobs and millions of dollars to the Shoalhaven economy,” Mr Elliott said.
The project is expected to be completed late 2018 and will include expansions of the perimeter fence, visits area, clinic and car park.
There will also be upgrades to existing staff and inmate accommodation and construction of a new industries building.
The first stage of construction – consisting of 160 maximum security beds - is expected to be completed early 2018.
Lendlease will be undertaking the expansion work.
Commissioner Peter Severin said the expansion was part of CSNSW’s commitment to deliver a more efficient and rehabilitation-focused system.
“These new beds will support our Better Prisons program to lift standards, strengthen accountability and help meet the NSW Government’s target to reduce reoffending," Mr Severin said.
Mr Ward and Mrs Hancock welcomed the NSW Government’s investment in the Shoalhaven region.
“South Coast Correctional Centre already employs close to 200 local staff and this new facility bring an additional 200 jobs during construction and 90 jobs when complete,” Mr Ward said.
“These jobs and investment is another example of this government’s commitment to delivering for the people of the South Coast electorate,” Mrs Hancock said.
News of the expansion has met with mixed reactions on the South Coast Register website.
A number of people questioned the type of people having a jail in the area attracted.
Corrective Services said there was no evidence the South Coast Correctional Centre expansion would lead to rising crime rates, inmates’ families moving to the area or inmates staying in town after their release.
“A 2016 Review of Environmental Factors found there were no significant increases in demand for public housing, or social and welfare services in the area following the centre’s opening in 2010,” a spokesperson said.
“It found inmates’ families were unlikely to relocate, given the unpredictability of inmate transfers and the fact the centre is only open for visits on weekends.
“The review also found crime rates had remained stable or declined in most areas.”