MELTON Council has slammed the state government for planning a new $500 million prison in Ravenhall ahead of vital transport and health projects.
The 500-bed, privately run men’s jail is set to be operating by 2017. It comes as the government’s new mandatory sentencing laws take effect and add pressure on the state’s already overcrowded prisons.
The construction of the jail in Ravenhall, near Deer Park, will create a prison precinct on a former rocket range, with the Dame Phyllis Frost Centre and Metropolitan Remand Centre within several hundred metres.
Melton mayor Justin Mammarella said the council was bemused that the government appeared to be more concerned about overcrowded prisons than overcrowded hospitals, roads and public transport.
“Although council welcomes the employment opportunities for our shire that the new planned prison will bring, we have been advocating to the state government for several infrastructure projects and services that are much needed for our fast-growing community,” he said.
Melton Residents Association president Peter Rowan said the shire was crying out for infrastructure improvements, including the upgrade of Melton Highway and works to ease traffic and parking congestion on Bulmans Road.
Corrections Minister Andrew McIntosh told The Age a new prison was vital despite the state’s faltering economy.
