The proposed extension to the Cessnock Correctional Centre has received mixed responses.
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In essence it will take the capacity from its current 800, to a whopping 1800. That is 1000 extra beds.
The size, scale and scope of the build is huge, and it is set to change from the existing one single jail, into a future of three separate jails.
In all of the debate and argument on this topic, it is essential to remember that it was the decision by the Government to change the planning rules of NSW on the Friday, and then announce the jail expansion on the Sunday.
Coincidence? Definitely not!
Under the “old” planning rules, the government would have had to go through a DA planning process, with council, just the same as Mums and Dads building a house or starting a small business would have to.
Under the “new” rules, no such DA plan is required. Now think through that – let’s take the example of traffic impact; the new jail which will employ 450 people and receive hundreds of visitors can just about ignore it completely; the Mum and Dad (or Postie Bike Grand Prix) would have to address it thoroughly.
So the community were invited to participate in a consultation process.
More than 160 people took the time to write a submission. Hundreds turned out to a community meeting.
The government department are saying that they have “listened” to the concerns and that the community have been “heard”.
But the net result is no real change to the original plan. Nothing. Zero. Zip.
Certainly, for all of the issues outside of the fence – police, hospital, social issues, traffic, etc – these are all concerns that are apparently figments of our imagination.
Obviously the government departments have not read their own reports.
I have! And I can say categorically, emphatically, that these issues are incredibly important and under the old planning rules, would have had to be addressed by the jail expansion development.
But under the new rules, arrogance and disregard is king!
I hope that plenty of angry and frustrated residents turned up to next Tuesday night’s (November 15) information session, 4pm-7pm, at the jail, to vent to the government representatives. You haven’t been heard yet, so don’t miss your chance.
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For inquiries regarding the State Government or its departments, or to put you in contact with someone who can, please contact my office by phoning 4991 1466, by email to cessnock@parliament.nsw.gov.au or call into 118 Vincent Street (PO Box 242), Cessnock 2325.
You also follow me on my Facebook page “www.facebook.com/claytonbarrmp”, on Twitter @claytonbarrmp or check out my website at www.claytonbarr.com.au.
