Work has begun on a key infrastructure project set to boost the capacity of Tasmania's prison system.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Corrections Minister Elise Archer turned the first sod on the $70 million Southern Remand Centre project at the Risdon Prison site on Monday.
"Once complete, the Southern Remand Centre will significantly increase the capacity of the prison system, providing better conditions for remandees and allowing separation from the general prison population," Ms Archer said.
"More than 130 jobs are expected to be created during the construction of the 140-bed facility, with 50 ongoing jobs created upon completion."
Construction on the project is expected to begin work in March next year with all stages of the facility to be fully operational by the end of 2021.
Hazell Brothers Group Pty Ltd has been awarded the contract for the preliminary works with the managing contractor for the main construction works is expected to be announced shortly.
"Alongside the Southern Remand Centre project, a further $9.34 million has been provided to expand and upgrade shared facilities within the Risdon Prison Complex, including upgrades to the gatehouse, health centre, visit areas, kitchen and prisoners processing area," Ms Archer said.
Ms Archer said the the state's prison infrastructure plan also includes the new 270-bed Northern Prison, with the preferred site to be announced by the end of the month.
"There's been no decision as to a final site," Ms Archer said.
"Other opportunities that we see from a Northern prison is that prisoners from the North and North-West regions will be closer to their families.
"There is evidence that suggests that being close to those family connections [means] that those prisoners will have a greater chance of rehabilitation."