THE new Cessnock jail will be partially hidden behind a three-metre high “earth mound” running along the 450-metre southern boundary and within 250 trees as part of a range of proposed changes introduced to alleviate community anger over the controversial prison expansion.
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But the contentious Lindsay Street gate still remains on the plans for the $30 million expansion, if only because an alternative entrance was still “under active consideration” and it could not be removed under the Review of Environmental Factors.
The review, to be released by Corrective Services NSW on Friday, has also found that the “majority” of health services required by inmates would be provided by Justice Health onsite involving registered nurses, and not at the ageing Cessnock hospital.
There was also “no evidence” that the expansion would lead to rising crime rates, inmates’ families moving to the area or inmates staying in town after release.
The jail, which would see an additional 1000 beds built in three new facilities and create 400 more jobs, would also be set back a further 90 metres from the original planned location.
A group of squirrel gliders would be relocated and a vulnerable plant species would be encouraged to spread.
“The review has resulted in a number of changes and strikes the right balance between the needs of the community and the urgent demand to address the growing prison population,’’ Corrective Services Commissioner Peter Severin said.
“...the [Lindsay Street gate] location is being seriously considered and we will be consulting with Cessnock City Council in the coming months.’’
A community information session will be held on Tuesday, November 15.
