Expansions at Cessnock Jail Positive for Cessnock Community

BY BRIDGET GUNN

A proposed expansion of Cessnock jail will see the facility double in occupancy to 1800 inmates.

The expansion will provide beds for an additional 1000 inmates, and should create jobs for more than 800 workers, including about 450 construction workers and 430 permanent correctional staff.

Director of Custodial Corrections Glen Scholes says Corrective Services is keen to pursue the project that could prove very beneficial to the Cessnock community.

"The existing jail has been there for around about 40 years so far, and the jail itself has a terrific relationship with the local community" says Scholes.

"I think it's a great opportunity for us to further partner with the Cessnock community, and we look forward to doing that effectively as we have done over many years."

Prison Officers Vocational Branch Chairman Steve McMahon says the expansion will be beneficial for the community of Cessnock.

"The community may have some concerns around the safety aspects of having such a large concentration of prisoners, but we can assure the community that we operate at the top end of all prisons in the world, and our facilities are very secure."

Cessnock jail
Source: The Newcastle Herald