An additional unit to accommodate 72 minimum-security prisoners is being built at Bunbury Regional Prison.
Planning for the new minimum-security unit is focused on the safety of staff, the community and prisoners.
It will help prisoners successfully re-enter the community after their release from prison. The unit will also include appropriate security measures for minimum-security units.
What will happen as part of the redevelopment?
The new minimum-security unit will:
- be built within the existing prison site
- accommodate 72 minimum-security prisoners
- have improved security measures, consistent with minimum security requirements.
Redevelopment work in the prison will also be undertaken and will:
- upgrade the existing internal security detection system
- upgrade the existing fire detection system
- upgrade the fire mains water pressure system
- expand the existing duress alarm system to include personal duress alarms for staff and visitors to the new minimum security facility
- upgrade and refit the existing security control room
- complete a major upgrade in the main kitchen
- redesign and modify the prisoner programs area
- replace the existing health centre
- continue to remove ligature points from cells
- upgrade the main electrical switchboard
- upgrade the existing doors, locks and viewing panels to the Department's state-wide standard in areas occupied by non-uniformed staff and visitors.
Will areas outside of the prison site be affected?
All redevelopment activities will occur on the prison's existing site.
Why is the redevelopment happening?
The redevelopment is part of a strategy to provide additional beds for the State's increasing prisoner population.
The design of the new accommodation unit will reflect life in the community, as much as possible. This, along with developing work-related skills and maintaining important relationships with family and loved ones, can help prisoners successfully transition back into the community and reduce the risk of them re-offending.
Will the redevelopment project be noisy, or will it impact on the immediate surrounds?
The Department anticipates there will be minimal impact on the immediate surrounds. Construction will occur away from existing homes. Please call (08) 9795 2155 if noise becomes bothersome.
Can I have a say in the redevelopment?
A reference group exists to provide local input and feedback to the project. Reference group members can be contacted to discuss issues and ideas, and to present points of view. Alternatively, contact the project officer at the prison, Tony Lee-Steere at PO Box 444 Bunbury, WA, 6231 or call (08) 9795 2155.
The Reference Group link provides more information and a list of members and their contact details.
What sort of offenders will be accommodated in the new unit?
Prisoners will be carefully assessed, and only those rated minimum security will be housed in the new unit.
This will include prisoners who are assessed as suitable to participate in Section 94 community and other supervised voluntary work in the region, which will continue to provide a valuable contribution to the local community.
The Community and Voluntary Work link provides more information about recent voluntary work projects undertaken by Bunbury Regional Prison offenders.
When will the project be completed?
Earthworks began in December 2006 and construction is now underway. The project is expected to be completed in January 2008.
