The location of the proposed Northern Prison was a last minute addition to last Wednesday’s George Town Council meeting.
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After being left off the agenda due to an administration error, discussion of a Northern Prison Siting Project report was accepted as a late item.
Corrections Minister Elise Archer opened expressions of interest process for Northern Tasmanian landowners interested in submitting their sites last month.
George Town mayor Bridget Archer said the item was added to the agenda due to the government’s November deadline for submissions.
“Council resolved not to submit an EOI, as there is no suitable council land,” she said.
“Officers will treat any further enquiry as they would any other development.
“The report noted it would currently be prohibited in all zones in the George Town planning scheme.”
Construction of the 270-bed Northern Prison is expected to get underway next year, and will include remand facilities and a women’s prison.
It was initially expected the prison would be located near Launceston, in the North, but during budget estimates earlier this year Ms Archer said the state government was also looking at potential sites in the North-West.
The state government-funded facility will cost about $270 million in total to build, with the first 140 beds planned within five years.
The prison is expected to ease pressure on Risdon Prison, which houses about 280 prisoners.
Nearly half of those currently in custody at the southern facility are from the North of the state.
While submissions from landowners will be accepted, it is understood the Department of Justice will continue to explore potential Crown land options and work with relevant state and federal government agencies, local councils, utility companies, the property sector and economic development groups.
The project is expected to create 3375 direct and indirect jobs.
A special panel will recommend a shortlist to the minister for corrections.