NSW prisons to get cell boost after building speed-up

NEW cells will be built inside NSW prisons to ease ­overcrowding after planning laws were quietly changed to fast-track development.

A single cell in the old Parramatta jail, which could possibly open again after light renovations due to a lack of beds in the jail system. Picture: Adam Taylor

NEW cells will be built inside NSW prisons to ease ­overcrowding after planning laws were quietly changed to fast-track development.

The state’s planning ­regulations have been amended to allow jails to build on existing jail grounds without having to obtain approvals.

A government source said talks were under way to deliver another 1000 prison beds in the state Budget to be handed down on June 21.

State MPs are due to debate the re-opening of 174-year-old Parramatta jail. Picture: Adam Taylor

The move comes as the Baird Government debates ­­reopening Parramatta jail as a short-term solution to overcrowding.

An “Explanation of Intended Effect” released about the amendment said it was designed to “permit the construction of additional ­prisoner accommodation at existing centres”.

It said the amendments were intended to “streamline and simplify” the planning ­assessment and approvals ­regimen applying to correctional facilities.

Under the changes, ­construction or replacement of ­accommodation of under 12m is regarded as complying ­development without the need for planning approval.

The changes also allow ­additions to occur without Corrective Services NSW having to provide details such as the number of prisoners that it wants to accommodate.

It also makes it easy for ­developments to occur at state heritage-listed prisons. “Enabling the efficient ­delivery of prisoner accommodation at existing correctional centres and complexes is considered to be a matter of environmental planning significance for the state,” the department said.

A sign in Parramatta jail aimed at stopping inmates from smoking pages of the Bible in roll-up cigarettes. Picture: Adam Taylor

Prison guard Craig Osland takes a stroll through Parramatta jail, where he once worked. Picture: Adam Taylor

“The proposed SEPP amendments … will permit development providing ­additional prisoner accommodation at existing centres and other specified minor developments without the need for development applications.”

It said any proposed new prisons worth more than $30 million would remain as state significant items subject to a full planning assessment.

Corrective Services Minister David Elliott is preparing for a tough fight over ­Parramatta jail when Cabinet meets on Thursday, with not all ministers keen to reopen the 174-year-old jail.

While Mr Elliott is pushing for the prison to be used as an “interim” measure, some ministers fear a developer and community backlash given the city renewal under way.

Land next to the jail has been earmarked for about 2500 new apartments, which some fear could be jeopardised if the prison was reopened.

Sydney Business Chamber Western Sydney director David Borger said buyers would think twice about ­investing in Parramatta if the prison was reopened.

An agreement would also have to be reached with Deerubbin Local Aboriginal Land Council, which took control of the site in February last year.