Why we need a prison in northern Tasmania
Tasmania currently has one substantial adult prison facility, at Risdon Vale in the south of the state.
Almost half of the prison inmates are from the north or north-west of Tasmania. Their families and support networks may have to travel far to visit them in Risdon and may not be able to do so regularly.
Access to these networks while in prison is valuable and is known to reduce the number of people who reoffend and return to prison. Building a new prison in the north of Tasmania will improve access to family and support for inmates.
About the new Northern Prison
The new Northern Prison will accommodate up to 270 prisoners. It will be constructed in two stages. The first stage will provide 140 beds and be operational from late 2022.
Identifying a site
An Expression of Interest (EOI) process was conducted for landowners in northern Tasmania to submit possible locations for the new prison.
The Government contacted northern Tasmanian councils, utility companies, the community and property sector groups to invite them to take part.
The Department of Justice also canvassed potential Crown land options and worked with State and Federal Government agencies to identify any suitable sites that are surplus to core government requirements.
Our current activities
A Siting Panel is now considering submissions received to compile a shortlist of suitable sites. It will provide its findings to the Government by March 2019.
Questions or comments?
Feel free to contact us at:
northern.prison@justice.tas.gov.au