CESSNOCK jail will receive another 620 beds under a state budget boost for NSW’s prisons.
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An extra 7000 beds will be funded in next Tuesday’s state budget, Justice NSW has announced, with Corrections Minister David Elliott announcing $3.8 billion will go towards the correctional system.
That money will cater to a rising prison population with a four-year infrastructure plan.
The Cessnock beds are due to arrive in the next three years, the Hunter portion of 2800 beds being added to existing jails.
Expressions of interest have also been called for a New Grafton Correction Centre, which will house 1700 prisoners.
That prison will become a regional hub similar to the role Cessnock plays in the Hunter. "These new beds will support our Better Prisons reform program to lift standards, strengthen accountability, and help meet the Government’s commitment to reduce adult reoffending by 5 per cent," Mr Elliott said.
Former head of construction at Grocon Dr Sean Sweeney will oversee the program’s delivery.