About 20 residents asked questions, with mayor Wayne Johnston having to extend the 30-minute question time for the second month in a row in front of a full public gallery.

The council voted to receive a petition stating "we oppose the construction of a new prison so close to Westbury".

Acting general manager Jonathan Harmey said the petition was well supported, with a large number of signatures.

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The petition had no specific request of the council, its purpose was to show clear opposition to the state government's project.

The council said the petition would be provided to the state government to be included as part of the community consultation process it is undertaking.

Questions often received large rounds of applause from the community.

Resident Fred Baker said he had written a letter to all councillors inviting them to visit his property which neighbours the prison site. Only councillors, Tanya King and Rodney Synfield, had contacted him.

"I'm asking for a commitment to come and visit to see first-hand the direct impact a proposed prison would have on us and our family," he said.

Ian Robson asked if the council would help residents fight the state government's decision, with Cr Johnston saying he was listening to all ratepayers' views and is absolutely considering how to help the community.

Resident Georgia Gee said the industrial hub was designed to attract large businesses to the area and asked the council what density of jobs would be lost from Westbury if a maximum security prison was built.

Another resident also spoke saying the "whole mess" could have been avoided with some community consultation.

The council said the state government would be required to jump through "significant hoops" when it submits a development application.

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