Australia’s largest prison is progressing, with 350,000 cubic metres of earth already moved, 20km of in-ground services installed and half of the surrounding fence raised on the construction site in Grafton, NSW.
The 1700-bed Clarence Correctional Centre currently has about 400 workers on-site during any given work day after the first sod was turned just over 12 months ago.
Minister for Corrections, David Elliott, said the new prison would inject $560 million into the local economy over the next 20 years, creating 1100 jobs during construction and 600 once operational.
“This is the nation’s largest prison and has a strong focus on security, surveillance as well as rehabilitation of inmates,” Mr Elliott said.
“Prisoners will be monitored by 1650 cameras across the complex, a security intelligence team and a specially trained emergency action response team. The centre will also use biometric technology to monitor the location of every prisoner 24/7.”
More than 10 per cent of precast cell modules are completed and will feature a tablet for internal usage only to book employment schedules, programs and visits.
Corrective Services NSW Assistant Commissioner, Kevin Corcoran, said the Public Private Partnership model for this centre would deliver state-of-the-art security and inmate rehabilitation.
Member for Clarence, Chris Gulaptis, said the community was showing strong support for the centre.
“This prison is a huge win for the local community and shows the NSW Government’s commitment to delivering jobs in regional NSW,” Mr Gulaptis said.
Clarence Correctional Centre is due to take inmates in mid-2020 and will feature:
- 1000 beds for maximum security male offenders
- 300 beds for maximum security female offenders
- 400 beds for minimum security male offenders
- On-site medical, laundry, education, industry and multi-faith religion facilities
