Residents say Northern Prison development costs will blow out over ‘site complexities’

Residents claim the cost of retrofitting the new Northern Regional Prison to Brushy Creek is “ill-conceived”, with a recent meeting revealing major flaws with the proposed site. LATEST >>

• Locals raise concerns over proposed site for new northern prison at Westbury
• Map of Government’s new preferred Northern Prison site causes concern among residents

RESIDENTS have claimed development costs could blow out as the Department of Justice tries to “retro fit” its proposed Northern Regional Prison to an “ill-conceived” site following a meeting with Department of Justice representatives last week.

Concerned Residents Opposed to the Westbury Prison Site (CROWPS) spokesman Aaron Reader said what was revealed at the meeting contradicted the Premier’s prior claims that the site was ideal.

“The Department has revealed that there are many serious, complicated issues with the new proposed site – which will demand extra expenditure and unforeseen costs to complete the project,” he said.

“Many of the complexities around the new proposed site stem from the fact that it is hilly and in places, solid rock, despite Minister Archer claiming that one of the primary factors in choosing the first site was because it was ‘nice and flat’.”

Mr Reader said the government remained under a false impression there was electrical infrastructure running past the 70ha Crown bushland site at Brushy Rivulet.

A map of the Government's preferred Northern Regional Prison site. Picture: SUPPLIED

A Department of Justice spokesman said the government had indicated upfront that the Crown land site may require services and the required work was still being investigated.

“Electricity infrastructure will be required to service the site,” he said.

“This will most likely involve extension of existing, nearby electricity infrastructure.”

The spokesman said initial due diligence was undertaken in July and further work was now being conducted to support the master planning, Particular Planning Zone (PPZ) assessment work and site development options as part of the long-term planning process.

“The final design will consider the topography of the site and levelling works that may be required.

The Tasmanian Government's proposed site for a Northern Regional Prison at Brushy Rivulet in the state's north. Picture: PATRICK GEE

“The intent is to minimise the degree of excavation required.

“The exact method of changing the slope of the land, where required, will be determined as part of the design development stage of the project.

“This information will form part of the project’s planning approval process.”

The spokesman said planning for the project was still in the early stages and the final cost was yet to be determined.

The 275 bed maximum security prison development is expected to require less than 16ha of the site, 5km from Westbury on Birralee Rd.