Victoria Minister for Corrections Andrew McIntosh

New Beds Bring Jobs To Hume Region

Victor P Taffa

Work has begun on the Coalition Government’s expansion of Dhurringile prison and is set to add as many as 80 new jobs to the local economy.

Corrections Minister Andrew McIntosh today launched the 54-bed expansion, which represents the first stage of delivering on the Government’s commitment to adding 500 new beds to the male prison system over four years.

The $17 Million Dhurringile project will create around 70 jobs in the construction phase, and another 12 permanent positions once the new facility is operating.

Mr. McIntosh said the prison sourced its supplies locally wherever possible, so the expansion would see more money going into the local economy through both construction and ongoing operating costs.

“This will be of particular benefit to businesses in Tatura, Murchison and Shepparton.” Mr. McIntosh said.

“The expansion will add to Dhurringile’s current 214 bed operational capacity And these 54 new beds, as well as another 54 at Langi Kal Kal Prison, are due to open in June.”

Further construction, to be completed in stages next year, will see the addition of a new visitor centre and a management unit for prisoners requiring more secure accommodation.

The addition of 500 beds to Victoria’s prison system was a key Coalition promise at the last election, designed to address the chronic neglect which set in over Labor’s 11 years in government.

“The additional accommodation and infrastructure is being provided to meet the increasing demand of prisoner numbers throughout the prison system.” Mr. McIntosh said.

“These facilities will provide an environment where minimum security prisoners can maintain ties with their family and the community, while they engage in pre-release and rehabilitation activities.”

Together with the delivery of 1,700 more Police in Victoria and reform of sentencing provisions, the expansion of the prison system is a vital part of the Coalition Government’s community safety and crime prevention agenda.

Mr. McIntosh thanked the local community for its ongoing commitment to successful prison operations at Dhurringile.