FIVE community advocates from Melton and Brimbank will join council representatives on an advisory group to ensure residents have a voice in the development of a new men’s prison in Ravenhall.
The group, which includes Justice Department members and prison operators, is expected to hold its first meeting before the end of this year. A chairperson will be appointed shortly.
Construction of the new $500 million men’s prison at Ravenhall featured in the state government’s 2013 budget. Building it is expected to take up to four years.
The privately run prison will be on government-owned land between the existing Metropolitan Remand Centre and Dame Phyllis Frost Centre and is expected to bring a much-needed boost to local employment.
Corrections Minister Andrew McIntosh said Melton and Brimbank residents were being urged to become involved in the development process. “The advisory group will work with the wider community on the planning and development of the new prison, and will provide information and updates on the project’s progress,” he said.
More details: phone 8684 8300 or email ravenhall.prison@justice.vic.gov.au
