Prison provides $560M boost to Clarence

Last published on 25 Jun 2020

The Grafton region will receive a $560 million boost to its economy over the next two decades with the opening this week of Australia’s largest prison.

Minister for Counter Terrorism and Corrections Anthony Roberts said the 1,700 bed Clarence Correctional Centre will officially take its first inmate on Wednesday 1 July 2020.

“The NSW Government is committed to investing in our regions and this new state-of-the-art correctional centre has created up to 600 ongoing positions for staff, as well as more than 1,200 jobs during construction,” Mr Roberts said.

“The centre will provide long‐term economic opportunities through the procurement of goods and services and the extra wages it brings to the region.”

Member for Clarence Chris GulaptisMP said the centre will be operated under a public-private partnership with Northern Pathways - a consortium comprising of John Laing John Holland and Serco.

“We welcome this new employer and the hundreds of additional jobs. It’s good to see local community members gaining employment, while other prison staff and their families make the Clarence region their new home,” Mr Gulaptis said.

Corrective Services NSWCommissioner Peter Severin said the centre can house 1,000 males and 300 females in maximum security, and 400 minimum-security male inmates, making it Australia’s largest correctional facility.

“The prison will be highly secure with world-class features to ensure the safety of the inmates, staff and the community,” Mr Severin said.

Clarence General Manager Glen Scholes said the centre will have onsite medical, laundry, education, industry and multi-faith religion and culture facilities.

“The accommodation ranges from cell units to dormitory-style accommodation and cottages with shared, communal spaces,” Mr Scholes said.

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