The new prison is delivering more than 1,000 jobs, with $279 million in economic benefit to the Geelong region.
The plans for the new maximum-security prison were expanded from its initial 700 beds to 1,248 beds as part of $1.8 billion in new spending on Victoria’s prisons and corrections system announced in the Victorian Budget 2019/20.
The new prison will help to ensure the corrections system remains safe and secure, and has the flexibility to respond to future demand, including in the context of the pandemic.
More than 1,000 direct construction jobs are being created, with $16.3 million directed to social enterprises that support indigenous and local businesses, disadvantaged and disabled Victorians.
Once the prison begins operations in 2022, the site will provide more than 650 jobs and ongoing economic benefit to the Geelong region.
Construction of the prison is being managed by John Holland, overseen by the Community Safety Building Authority, which delivers infrastructure on behalf of the Department of Justice and Community Safety.
John Holland have been on site since February 2020, when Early Works began.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Corrections Natalie Hutchins
“This is an important milestone in building a stronger corrections system with capacity to help keep communities safe now and into the future.”
“As well as creating over 1,000 jobs across the steel, manufacturing, building, engineering and other sectors - we’re providing dedicated opportunities for apprentices, trainees, cadets, Aboriginal people, disadvantaged Victorians and those with a disability.”
Quote attributable to Member for Lara John Eren
“This project is delivering a significant and much needed economic benefit to our region – as well as the huge boost construction is delivering, this prison will deliver hundreds of local jobs across a wide range of skills.”
Reviewed 21 October 2020