640-bed accommodation strategy completed as Casuarina unit opens, Redman
Author: Terry Redman
Published on: 15-June-2011
The final stage of the Liberal-National Government’s 640-bed accommodation strategy will be completed today when Corrective Services Minister Terry Redman officially opens a new 256-bed unit at Casuarina Prison.
Similar units were opened earlier this year at Hakea Prison (256 beds) and Albany Regional Prison (128 beds).
Mr Redman said the units would improve existing conditions, provide better access to education programs and offer safer working conditions for staff.
“The Liberal-National Government is committed to developing facilities, services and programs that support offender rehabilitation and reduce the likelihood of recidivism,” he said.
“Some of the additions at Casuarina Prison include purpose-built program rooms, recreation and food distribution areas, along with service upgrades to power, water and waste.
“It is excellent to see a significant amount of furniture was manufactured by prisoners - including beds built at Bunbury Regional Prison, bed rails and shelving from Hakea, and cabinets from Wooroloo.
“This is testament to the prisoner employment focus of the Department of Corrective Services.”
The Minister said the innovative 640-bed accommodation strategy targeted prisons most in need of additional units.
The strategy was funded by a $60million saving in the cost of expanding Acacia prison and a $7million saving following modifications to the planned Wheatbelt work camp.
“This is in addition to the Government’s $655million corrective services infrastructure program that is addressing years of chronic underinvestment by the previous Labor government,” Mr Redman said.
“Labor ignored the need to invest in additional infrastructure because it simply kept offenders on our streets. The Liberal-National Government will not turn its back on community safety.”
