Extension work on Greenough Regional Prison to start next month

24/7/95

Work to extend the existing Greenough Regional Prison is expected to begin next month, after Works Minister and local member for Greenough, Kevin Minson, today announced the awarding of the contract for the project to a Geraldton-based company.

"The Geraldton Building Company won the tender after a competitive tender conducted by the Building Management Authority," Mr Minson said.

The upgrade to the prison, worth approximately $3 million, will add 52 beds to the medium security prison, 20 of which will be self-care.

Mr Minson, who is also the Minister assisting the Minister for Justice, said the upgrade, which is being managed by the Building Management Authority, will provide a significant boost to the local economy and employment in the area.

"We expect the project will employ up to 50 people in the construction industry while the new prison wing is being built and, once it is complete, extra prison employees will be needed to staff the new wing," he said.

Mr Minson congratulated local business, the Geraldton Building Company Pty Ltd, on its successful tender for the project.

"I am pleased to see a local company winning the competitive tender for such an important project in the region, especially as the Geraldton Building Company constructed the original prison complex," he said.

The Minister said the Greenough upgrade was part of a State-wide plan to have regional prisoners housed closer to their families.

"Some regional prisons are too small to house all the prisoners from the local area," he said.

"These prisoners are transferred to Perth prisons or other facilities far from their homes.  This can make contact with their families very difficult, which in turn can hamper the rehabilitation process."

Mr Minson said the prison's medium status would not be altered.

Work on the prison extension should begin in August, with completion due mid-way through next year.

Media contact:  Caroline Lacy 222 9595