THE State Government says the $60m expansion of the Mount Gambier Prison will deliver greater rehabilitation of prisoners to reduce crime and the number of victims in the community.
Correctional Services Minister Corey Wingard – who yesterday officially opened the expansion at the privately operated prison – also reiterated the government had no agenda to further grow the facility’s footprint.
The event was held in the prison’s sprawling new indoor sports recreational centre, which was part of the multifaceted expansion.
The Moorak-based prison – which has been subjected to rolling expansions in recent years – is now the second largest correctional facility in the state.
Speaking at the prison yesterday, he said the project would help to facilitate greater rehabilitation of prisoners and improved security at the facility.
“This is what we want to see in our correctional services,” said Mr Wingard, who toured the new facility yesterday.
He said the greater rehabilitation of inmates would result in less victims and crime, which was the major focus of the government.
The prison now houses up to 653 medium and low security prisoners following the completion of the new state-of-the-art Kanawinka Unit, which means “land of tomorrow” in Boandik language.
“Land of tomorrow represents one of the goals of the prison,” Mr Wingard said.
Picture: SANDRA MORELLO
But given the substantial expansion rolled out by the former Labor Government, he said the Liberal Marshall Government had no future projects in the pipeline at Mount Gambier.
Mr Wingard told media the Mount Gambier site was already “maximised” and the government was focused on growing prison bed numbers in other parts of the state.
He revealed the government was making a big investment in prisons.
Mr Wingard also added the $58m project had also fuelled the Mount Gambier economy with more than 30 companies involved, with around half coming from the local region.
Meanwhile, Department for Correctional Services chief executive David Brown praised the quality of the construction and design of the new facilities.
He said the new facilities would provide the ideal environment to engage prisoner rehabilitation.
While prisoners were sent to correctional facilities as “punishment”, he said there must be avenues for prisoners to engage in rehabilitation.
He said these programs gave prisoners the opportunity to “turn their lives around” by participating in education and developing “work-ready” skills.
In fact, Mr Brown said the new gymnasium would set the benchmark across the state’s correctional system.
The Mount Gambier Prison accommodates male remand and sentenced prisoners.
Construction of the 160 bed Kanawinka unit began in April 2017 and was completed in August this year.
The project included five stand-alone accommodation complexes.
All prisoners accommodated in the Kanawinka Unit are employed, enrolled in educational studies or a recommended rehabilitation program.
Prisoners accommodated in these units cater and budget for themselves, gaining skills for their release.
The $58m project also incorporated education classrooms, a library and medical centre.
