5000 new beds spark fears on future of old run-down jails

Prison officers are questioning the future of some of the state’s oldest jails as more than 5000 new prison beds are set to be opened in the next two years. One that reopened temporarily could be closed “within two years”.

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With more than 5000 new prison beds to be opened over the next two years, prison officers are questioning the future of the State’s oldest jails.

The first expected to close will be Berrima jail, which reopened temporarily less than three years ago to deal with prison overcrowding.

While the state government has indicated it could remain open for another decade, the prison union believes the cost will result in its early closure, with one source declaring it was likely to shut its doors “within two years”.

Berrima jail could be at threat of closure. Picture: Simon Bullard

It temporarily reopened less than three years ago to deal with overcrowding in jails. Picture: Simon Bullard

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It would mean women being transferred to the new South Coast jail, where a ­recent security test revealed wooden doors rendered it ­unsuitable as a male medium or maximum security prison.

The future of the state’s older jails was raised at a meeting between NSW Corrective Services commissioner Peter Severin and prison union delegates on June 6.

The state government has previously flagged the closure of Long Bay jail, but on the condition that it would be replaced with a new city prison.

The government has struggled to find a site that was not opposed by local communities.

Nicole Jess, chair of the Prison Officers Vocational Branch of the Public Service Association, said: “The government needs to be open about what its plans are when the new beds start coming on line and to ensure staffing will be in the same locations.”

Older jails are more expensive to run. Picture: Simon Bullard

The union fears other jails could be closed too. Picture: Simon Bullard

Corrective Services NSW Commissioner Peter Severin said there were no immediate plans to shut any jails.

Overcrowding resulted in a statewide prison building program, with many of the new beds to be opened to inmates in the coming months.

The union fears older jails facing closure include Cooma, Tamworth, Grafton and Bathurst.

Originally published as 5000 new beds spark fears on future of old run-down jails