Parramatta jail is the best option when it comes to easing prisoner numbers, union says

LOCKING crims in a jail built in 1837 is the best option for dealing with the state’s prison crisis, according to the wardens’ union.

Razor wire fencing inside Parramatta jail. Photo: Bob Barker.

REOPENING Parramatta jail is the most viable option for dealing with the state’s prison crisis, the union for prison officers says.

The State Government is considering reopening the colonial site to lift pressure from the state’s overcrowded prisons.

The Advertiser understands the jail, which closed in 2011, is the only option the government is considering. The prison’s buildings were ereected in 1837, and it’s housed infamous guests from Neddy Smith to organised crime figure George Freeman.

Public Service Association head of prison officers Steve McMahon said it made sense for the government to reopen the jail.

The Chapel at Parramatta jail. Photo: Bob Barker.

“It is a necessity for our members, our overcrowding in our prisons is almost disastrous,” he said.

“My understanding is that it would be opened in the short or medium term to fix overcrowding issues, but it’s not part of the government’s strategy to fix the whole issue. My impression is they would be looking at keeping it open for about three years.”

He said Parramatta was the only option that had a reasonable amount of beds available at one location.

“It has at least 340 beds, they are older cells but it’s the most viable option available to the government. Other jails could fit more inmates by putting three people in one cell, but we are against that. It is difficult sometimes having two in a cell. And then there are other jails that could take up to 20 or 30 beds. But we would prefer Parramatta.”

Deerubbin Aboriginal Land Council was granted ownership of the site from the government in 2014, after a two-year land-claim dispute.

The Governor's House at Parramatta jail. Photo: Bob Barker.

If the jail was to open, the government would have to lease it back from the land council.

Mr McMahon said if the jail wasn’t reopened prisoners would spend longer periods of time in court and police cells, which would pose a danger to staff.

He said the jail needed to be refurbished before any inmate relocations were made.

The refurbishment could cost up to an estimated $10 million.

“I understand they need to do some basic cleaning, painting, some minor electrical works, and some upgrades of our lock up system. Also some security work But all in all, the physical part of the building still services OK.”

Western Sydney Business Chamber director David Borger said although the state needed a place to house prisoners, he wasn’t convinced Parramatta was the answer.

If the jail is reopened, it will sit side by side with the government’s $2 billion residential and commercial development in North Parramatta.

Sydney Business Chamber Western Sydney Director David Borger does not want to see the jail reopened.

“Prisoners returning to Parramatta jail seems completely inconsistent with the government’s vision for the North Parramatta development precinct. I think it would be better if the prison was used for another purpose,” Mr Borger said.

Parramatta Lord Mayor Paul Garrard said he did not want the jail reopened.

“It is important for the memory of the jail to remain and the obvious recognition of its intrinsic history to Parramatta, NSW and Australia,” he said.

The jail is expected to go to cabinet next week.

Corrections Minister David Elliott confirmed the government was considering reopening Parramatta jail as one of a number of ways of increasing capacity in the system.

“However, this must be balanced with what is in the best interests of the community. More than 2800 additional beds have been delivered since March 2014 and plans are underway to build a new prison in Grafton and expand Parklea,” Mr Elliott said.