The new 220-bed maximum security area at Bathurst Correctional Centre is on track for completion in May next year with the expansion's fence-line now connected to the existing site's walls.
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Minister for Corrections Anthony Roberts toured the $160 million facility with Bathurst MP Paul Toole yesterday, and said the project was part of the state government's $3.8 billion investment into safer prisons.
"The expansion will create 65 additional jobs in corrective services for Bathurst and provide a safer environment for correctional officers and inmates," Mr Roberts said.
"Once complete, this expansion will also include educational and industrial facilities to provide skill-based rehabilitation for prisoners during incarceration."
Mr Toole said the expansion project has supported the local economy through the creation of contracted construction jobs, and will provide an upgrade that the centre has desired for many years.
"On any given day, we could have 150 to 200 contractors working on the construction of this facility, and 40 per cent of them live within the Bathurst community," he said.
"The project is around three months ahead of schedule, and we're confident this facility will make a difference to the lives of inmates and correctional officers alike."
Corrective Services NSW assistant commissioner Luke Grant said the new facility will serve as part of the department's goal to reduce the rate of re-offenders in prisons.
"The Premier has challenged us to reduce the re-offending rate by five per cent over the next five years and intend to embrace this challenge with plenty of enthusiasm," Mr Grant said.
"We have an evidence-based approach to our practice, which includes cognitive behavioural therapy [CBT] programs, education around domestic violence and substance abuse and opportunities for developing vocational skills.
"Fundamentally, prisoners have to make the decision to turn their lives around, but we can certainly help guide them in the right direction."
Bathurst Correctional Centre governor Mark Kennedy said operational and functional testing will be conducted at the new facility prior to opening.
"The facility will go a long way towards future-proofing the site and we're in the business of creating better neighbours for the community," Mr Kennedy said.
On Tuesday last week, the state government announced the closure of four correctional centres at Berrima, Unanderra, Ivanhoe and Brewarrina to make way for expansions to existing NSW prisons.
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"I'm not in the business of telling people what to do. I'm much more in the business of describing things, situations and stuff like that and leaving them out there, and you can make up your minds about them." -Nick Cave
"I'm not in the business of telling people what to do. I'm much more in the business of describing things, situations and stuff like that and leaving them out there, and you can make up your minds about them." -Nick Cave
