$150million for new West Kimberley Regional Prison

The West Kimberley Regional Prison Project in Derby has been given the go-ahead with an additional $57million in funding and an increased bed capacity.

Attorney General and Corrective Services Minister Christian Porter will announce the $150million project in Derby today, as part of the State Government's plans to extend correctional services in the Kimberley and ease the critical shortage of suitable prisoner accommodation in the region.

"The Derby facility will be the first complex in Australia designed, built and staffed to meet the unique social and cultural needs of Aboriginal offenders," Mr Porter said.

"The original budget of $93million was insufficient, due to cost increases for building in the Kimberley.

"The revised budget also allows for 150 beds as opposed to the 120 originally planned under the previous Labor Government, and takes into account significant increases in the overall prison population, including prisoners from the Kimberley.

"Programs and services in the new prison will focus on health, training and the life skills needed to break the cycle of recidivism.

"These will be delivered in partnership with local service providers and Aboriginal communities across the Kimberley.

"In addition to construction works over the next three years, the prison will be a substantial long-term employer with a workforce of more than 80 staff, plus families.

"About 70 new houses will be built in town to accommodate staff and about $10million in economic activity will be generated locally each year.

"As part of its vision, the prison has a target of employing 50 per cent Aboriginal staff and a recruitment and training strategy has been established to meet this goal."

Schematic designs for the West Kimberley Regional Prison Project are complete and include separate accommodation for 120 male prisoners and 30 female prisoners based in self-care style houses with culturally-appropriate health, education and training facilities.

The Minister said Aboriginal communities across the Kimberley would contribute the design and delivery of effective rehabilitation programs.

A Kimberley Cultural Advisory Group had been established to provide expert advice on cultural issues and linkages with Aboriginal community stakeholders, while a Derby Community Reference Group had been formed to advise on local issues and maximise long-term benefits for the town.

"Since coming into office, we have taken the time to carefully assess our investment at Derby and, by focusing on prisoner education and work-readiness programs, we can effect a tangible change to deliver positive results," Mr Porter said.

"This project reflects the State Government's commitment to protecting and strengthening regional communities and delivering essential infrastructure where it is most needed.

"We believe the Derby facility will set a new standard in custodial services and help reduce the number of Aboriginal people returning to prison."

The land acquisition and approvals for the West Kimberley prison have been finalised and the facility will be built on a 18ha site, south of the Gibb River Road and Derby Highway intersection, about six kilometres from the town.

A three-year construction program will begin with a package of preliminary works, including access roads, earthworks, civil foundations and in-ground services, expected to go to tender next year for completion during the 2009 dry season.

The main building phase is scheduled to start in 2010 and will be managed by the Department of Housing and Works on behalf of the Department of Corrective Services.

Attorney General's office - 9220 5050

Video link