A state-of-the-art expansion at the Mid North Coast Correctional Centre will deliver investment to the regional economy and create more than 400 new jobs.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Minister for Corrections David Elliott turned the first sod on the expansion at the prison site at Aldavilla, accompanied by the Member for Oxley Melinda Pavey and mayor Liz Campbell.
The Mid North Coast Correctional Centre is a 550-bed facility and the expansion will allow the centre to accommodate an additional 440 male inmates.
The project will create 440 new jobs to the region with 350 trade roles during construction and 90 positions at the prison.
Mr Elliott said the work was part of the NSW Government’s $3.8 billion infrastructure investment in the state’s prison facilities.
“Today marks the start of a multi-million dollar investment into jobs and growth in the Mid North Coast region, with 440 new jobs being created,” Mr Elliott said.
The expansion consists of four accommodation blocks, each with 110 beds, and is being constructed by Watpac Construction Port Macquarie Branch.
Corrective Services NSW Commissioner Peter Severin said the expansion work includes improving staff facilities, inmate rehabilitation opportunities, the visits area, administration, gatehouse, reception, health clinic and inmate industries.
Ms Pavey also welcomed the investment into the Mid North Coast community.
“This expansion will create around 90 full-time jobs for the region and up to 350 trade jobs during construction,” Ms Pavey said.
“Our local economy will get a boost as these workers shop, eat and stay in Kempsey and surrounding areas.”
Along with the delivery of infrastructure, the NSW Government is investing $330m in reforms to reduce the rate of re-offending including rehabilitation programs for offenders, better supervision of parolees in the community, and more powers for Community Corrections officers.
