Riverina tradespeople and labourers are benefiting from employment on the Junee Correctional Centre upgrade, delivering a boost to the local economy, Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke said during an inspection of the work today.
Ms Cooke said more than 250 tradies were working on site at the peak of construction of the new 480-bed facility.
“It’s great to see these buildings quickly taking shape with the help of our local tradies. Building works have progressed smoothly and the centre is on track to open this year with around 130 ongoing prison jobs available for Riverina residents,” Ms Cooke said.
“The positive economic impacts of a centre of this size are not only being felt now but will continue to benefit Junee and the surrounding areas.”
The expansion of the existing 853-bed facility is part of the NSW Government’s $3.8 billion investment in increasing capacity in the state’s prisons.
Ms Cooke welcomed the investment in the region and the flow-on effects for the economy.
“The upgrade includes four accommodation blocks, a new industries building with bakery and laundry, two ovals and even a new K9 Unit for dogs,” Ms Cooke said.
“Work only began in April 2017 and already the team has delivered a brand-new purpose-built administration building and is soon to hand over the keys for a new prison gatehouse to accommodate the larger centre.
“Each of the accommodation block’s 120 modular-cells were installed in just 10 days – an impressive result, which demonstrates the excellent work of the team.”
Junee General Manager Scott Brideoake said the centre currently employs more than 280 staff with about half from the local area.
“The Junee Correctional Centre is dedicated to reducing reoffending through education and vocational training, and GEO Group, which manages the facility, will continue to keep this as their priority as it expands,” Mr Brideoake said.
To learn more about recruitment at Junee Correctional Centre, visit https://junee.external.applynow.net.au/jobs/GEO1284 Applications close March 4 2019.
