Prison Expansion Nears Completion at South Nowra

Parliamentary Secretary for the South Coast and Member for Kiama Gareth Ward MP has today announced that the expansion of South Coast Correctional Centre is nearing completion, with more jobs for locals and a new 160-bed maximum-security wing ready for operation in the coming months.

Mr Ward and The Hon. John Ajaka MLC toured the 160-bed facility, which will help reduce reoffending through improved education and programs.

“Corrective Services NSW is a proud employer in the Shoalhaven region and the completion of the prison expansion will provide 120 new jobs, which is fantastic news for the community,” Mr Ward said.

“This investment in the region’s economy is also a great win for community safety. These new facilities are designed to enhance inmate rehabilitation by providing better access to education, programs and skills-based employment in prison industries.”

The first stage of the project – which included an additional Corrective Services Industries building, High Intensity Programs Unit and 200 minimum-security beds – was officially opened in August.

The expansion of the existing 690-bed facility is part of the NSW Government’s $3.8 billion investment into increasing capacity in the state’s prisons to meet demand.

The centre will cater for more than 1,050 inmates when the new maximum-security section becomes operational.

“The South Coast Correctional Centre is an impressive facility and these new additions are world class,” Mr Ajaka said.

“Staff here do a fabulous job helping to reduce reoffending by equipping inmates with the knowledge, skills and training, and this expansion will further support those efforts into the future.”

Governor Mick Reid said the expanded centre will continue to target at-risk inmates with the latest behaviour change programs and strategies.

“With this expansion we have opened new industries and education spaces, ensuring the inmates have full access to a range of rehabilitative jobs and programs,” Mr Reid said. 

The South Coast Correctional Centre opened in 2010 and is a male maximum, medium and minimum security facility.