Published date: Wednesday 2 October 2019
The modern fence-line of the new 220-bed maximum-security area of Bathurst Correctional Centre is about to meet the historic walls of the 19th century prison as the expansion project reaches its final months of construction.
Minister for Corrections Anthony Roberts and Member for Bathurst Paul Toole toured the site today to see the final works on the Bathurst project, which is part of the NSW Government's $3.8 billion investment in safer prisons.
"It is great to see construction is running on time with up to 150 subcontractors working hard on the ground to ensure it's ready to open in May next year," Mr Roberts said.
"The expansion means an additional 65 jobs will be created at the centre, providing a diverse range of employment options for people in the Bathurst area."
Mr Toole said Corrective Services NSW was not only an important employer in the region but its staff made a valuable contribution to the community.
"Bathurst Correctional Centre is well known for its fundraising efforts for drought-affected farmers, the Defence Community Dogs program and the inmate project-teams, who donate their time to community groups, such as Lifeline," Mr Toole said.
"I'm pleased that this contribution will further flourish with the additional jobs and the increase in inmates and that the Central West community will continue to benefit from the centre's presence in town."
Corrective Services NSW Assistant Commissioner Luke Grant said the expansion project commenced in August last year and its timely construction was due in part to the use of modular cell blocks.
"The project takes one of Bathurst's most historic landmarks and gives it a state-of-the-art modern addition with new gatehouse, inmate reception area, and visits and health services buildings," Mr Grant said.
"Importantly, there are purpose-built education and industries buildings to ensure inmates have work and training opportunities to gain the skills they need to enhance their employment prospects and reduce their chance of reoffending."
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