Site preparation works have begun on a new secure facility that will house serious sex and violent offenders to keep the community safe.
Minister for Corrections Gayle Tierney visited Ararat today to inspect the site of the 20-bed residential facility that will be built next to Hopkins Correctional Centre.
The facility will house offenders subject to supervision orders, who are deemed unsuitable to be released into the broader community after they complete their sentences.
The purpose-built site will be a step-up up from Corella Place with a secure perimeter. A team of professionals will work at the facility to rehabilitate offenders and to maintain a safe environment.
Together with the previously announced detention facility to be built in Barwon Prison, these facilities will provide more options to safely manage serious offenders after they have completed their sentence.
Corrections Victoria will appoint a contractor to build the secure facility in the coming weeks, with construction to begin in the second half of the year.
Up to 100 jobs will be created during construction, while a further 50 jobs will be created when the secure facility opens at the end of 2018.
A Community Advisory Group, including local businesses and residents, has already been formed to ensure Ararat locals are kept updated on the project and have an opportunity to provide feedback.
The secure facility is part of the Labor Government’s response to the Harper Review and is funded as part of the record $308 million investment in the post-sentence scheme announced in the Victorian Budget 2017/18.
The record investment is allowing the government to fully implement all 35 recommendations from the Harper Review, of which seven have already been completed.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Corrections Gayle Tierney
“The Andrews Labor Government is strengthening the post-sentence scheme so that we can effectively manage serious offenders and keep Victorians safe.”
“This new facility is an important addition to our corrections system, housing 20 of the state’s serious adult offenders who require extra supervision after they complete their prison sentence.”
“Not only is this project helping to keep the community safe it’s also creating around 150 jobs which is great news for Ararat.”
Reviewed 19 August 2020