Vic prison expansion faces multimillion-dollar blowouts following building defect discovery

Serious building defects have been uncovered at two of the state’s maximum security facilities in newly constructed prison wings — the repairs potentially requiring complete demolition.

Investigations have been launched to determine the seriousness of the defects at both the Metropolitan Remand Centre, pictured, and Barwon Prison. Picture: AAP

Victoria’s prison expansion program is facing multimillion-dollar blowouts after serious building defects were uncovered at two of the state’s maximum security facilities.

Investigations have been launched to determine the seriousness of the defects at both the Metropolitan Remand Centre and Barwon Prison.

But prison insiders say they have left new wings in the prisons “uninhabitable” and in need of major repair that could require complete demolition.

Corrections Victoria commissioner Larissa Strong told a parliamentary inquiry last week that investigations were yet to determine the seriousness of the problems or the expected repair cost.

Corrections Victoria commissioner Larissa Strong told a parliamentary inquiry last week investigations were yet to determine the seriousness of the defects.

Sources said the defects related to a dangerous black mould infestation that had been blamed on a delay in construction after initial concrete foundations had been poured.

It was uncovered in newly built accommodation as part of the Allan government’s major $787m program to expand capacity at five of the state’s prisons, they said.

Works at the MRC will see capacity increased by 212 beds through the construction of two new accommodation blocks and supporting amenity areas.

The $133m Barwon Prison development will expand its capacity by 243 beds, upgrade the visitor centre and entry building, and refurbish the exiting medical building.

The Barwon Prison is set for a $133m expansion. Picture: Alan Barber

Shadow Corrections Minister Brad Battin accused the Allan government of squandering money that could be better spent to rehabilitate prisoners.

He said waste included staffing the $1.119bn maximum-security Western Plains Correctional Centre near Geelong, a 1248-bed facility, which is on the Barwon Prison precinct, but has not yet opened.

Staff, however, have been deployed “for operational readiness activities, and to keep the site secure”.

“Labor has run out of money, not because they are supporting families, but due to a level of incompetence not seen before in this state,” Mr Battin said.

“Millions of dollars is being wasted fixing stuff ups from Labor who already waste $36m a year running a prison that houses no prisoners, and now is wasting tens of millions of dollars to increase prison capacity, only to knock it down due to defaults.”

A Department of Justice and Community Safety spokesperson said investigations were continuing to determine the required rectifications at MRC and Barwon.

Contracted builders were expected to deliver the project to the required standard, and to ensure that the units were fit for occupation.

“The Community Safety Building Authority is working with the head contractors to investigate and remediate defects at some of the newly built accommodation units. These units have not yet been occupied,” she said.

“These are additional units and this has not had any impact on prison operations.”