Lara’s Barwon Prison is set receive more than 150 extra beds as part of a $1.8 billion investment, State Government announced yesterday.
The funding for the additional 162 beds will expand the jails capacity to 640 prisoners, ensuring the maximum-security facility continues to meet future demand, the government said.
The prison is also set to welcome a new medical and clinical administration building, industry building and visitor centre, according to the government.
Meanwhile, existing medical facility and programs are expected to be refurbished and repurposed in order to strengthen security and services.
Lara MP John Eren said the expansion of the facility will boost local employment.
“Across the state our infrastructure projects are creating hundreds of local jobs,” he said.
The announcement follows the opening of a new detention centre for Victoria’s “most dangerous offenders” at the facility last week.
The $21 million 10-bed Piper Detention Unit accommodates “serious” sex and violence offenders who posed an unacceptable risk of re-offending after completing their sentences, the government said.
Corrections Minister Ben Carroll said the recent investments will allow for a more “secure” prison system.
“We are strengthening Barwon Prison by increasing its capacity and investing in key infrastructure to keep staff and the community safe,” he said.
The number of inmates in the jail decreased by 7.2 percent in the last year, dropping from 428 in August 2018 to 397 last month, according to Corrections Victoria data.
But the rate of offenders within the Barwon South-West region has remained stable, with 1036 at the end of last month compared to 1049 at the end of July.
A tender for early works, including fencing, carparks and site offices was released yesterday, while the extra beds are expected be operating in two years.
