The program will see four of the state's smallest correctional centres at Berrima, Brewarrina, the Illawarra and Ivanhoe cease operations. Existing prisons in Junee, Bathurst, Cessnock, Mid North Coast, Parklea and Windsor will expand to incorporate 5000 beds and facilitate improved rehabilitation opportunities for prisoners.
Emu Plains and Kariong correctional centres will be repurposed into a dedicated mothers' facility and transit centre respectively as part of operational improvements to the state's correctional centres.
A number of safer, single-occupant cells will increase, starting at facilities on the South Coast, Mid North Coast, Glen Innes and Shortland.
Minister for Counter Terrorism and Corrections Anthony Roberts said an additional 700 jobs in different locations across the NSW corrections system will be created under the expansion.
"As this new infrastructure becomes available, Corrective Services NSW has a responsibility to ensure staff are not working in overcrowded prisons and have the opportunity to work in these safer, more secure facilities," Mr Roberts said.
