The 330-bed maximum-security expansion of Shortland Correctional Centre at Cessnock Correctional Complex has been opened, with Governor Simon Raper handed the keys at a ceremony on Monday.
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Minister for Corrections Anthony Roberts officially commissioned the now 580-bed centre, which will also bring an additional 85 jobs to the Hunter.
"Corrective Services NSW is a major employer in the Hunter region and is pleased to be growing and strengthening that investment," he said.
"It's about the NSW Government's $3.8 billion dollar plan to actually make our community safer but at the same time, reduce re-offending and ensure inmates ... have the best opportunity when they leave jail to actually undertake full employment and become citizens that contribute to our society. "
The maximum-security section of Cessnock Correctional Complex was renamed Shortland Correctional Centre in June after Lieutenant John Shortland, a renowned naval officer and explorer of the Hunter region in the late 1700s.
The expansion included the construction of a health clinic, a sports and exercise area and a 4000 square-metre programs and industries building.
Corrective Services NSW Commissioner Peter Severin said the new facilities would also help inmates address their offending behaviour and gain the skills and training they need to find employment upon their release.
"It will accommodate those that require a very high degree of control but at the same time, those who are ready to positively engage in work and education," he said. "This centre will help fill an important gap that we have as a result of unprecedented growth in our prisoner numbers over a long period of time.
"We will get this infrastructure online which means we can do our jobs better."
Work is continuing on the new 240-bed minimum-security wing in the neighbouring Cessnock Correctional Complex, and is expected to open early next year.
