Located 12 kilometres southeast of Grafton is Clarence Correctional Centre
the largest facility of its kind in the country
the state-of-the-art centre can accommodate up to 1,700 inmates and is a
technologically advanced and innovative correctional facility.
The project is delivered by the New South Wales Government in partnership with the
NorthernPathways consortium consisting of John Laing, John Holland and Serco
It will inject $560 million dollars into the Clarence Valley economy
over the next 20 years.
Set on 195 hectares
Clarence Correctional Centre comprises 65 buildings, 3000 metres of high
security perimeter fencing and on-site infrastructure including a wastewater
treatment plant and electricity substation. The centre features
state-of-the-art security systems to ensure the safety of all staff, visitors
the community and inmates, including over 1,800 surveillance cameras using
contemporary technology to monitor the location of all inmates at all times
All vehicles entering and exiting the facility undergo rigorous inspection
including under vehicle scanning and human presence detection systems
also known as heartbeat monitoring.
Upon entry through the gatehouse all staff and
visitors go through a meticulous screening process that includes ID
checks, metal and contraband detection, x-ray of items, and biometrics
registration with fingerprint and iris scanning technology, all closely
monitored through a secure Master Control Room.
The centre provides a campus style
layout across three sections: male maximum security with 1,000 beds
male minimum security accommodating 400 inmates, with 300 inmates in the female
centre. The accommodation ranges from cell units to dormitory style
accommodation and cottages with shared communal spaces. Unique to the centre's
operator-led design is that there are no bars throughout the center. Each section
of the centre has its own visitor centre, commercial-scale laundry and kitchen, as
well as indoor and outdoor activity spaces.
Also on-site, health facilities operated by specialist dental, allied health, and
medical practitioners.
The centre also features a sacred space with multi-faith facilities
The centre's focus is on enhancing community safety through
rehabilitation and the successful reintegration of the inmates back into
the community within a safe and structured environment.
Industry and vocation areas provide training and employment pathways for inmates, with
support from local industry and business partners. The goal is for inmates to feel
supported to re-establish themselves in the community on release.
Each inmate will be issued with a state-approved tablet device
with secure systems and no internet access
allowing inmates to access a range of information including
educational courses and on-site employment opportunities and to stay
connected to family by making telephone calls through the secure offender
telephone system. During the construction phase the facility had a peak workforce
of 1200 Project Managers, Designers, Supervisors and Trades Persons
and when fully operational it will employ around 600 staff. Many employees
have been recruited locally while others have relocated to the Clarence Valley
with their families, providing a further boost to the region's economy. Local
businesses have been engaged as part of the commitment to the procurement of
goods and services from the local area, with food and health being the primary
contributors. All staff have undergone specialist training to ensure the safe,
secure and seamless operation of the facility.
The centre will also maintain a
highly trained emergency response team to ensure safety and security in
day-to-day operations. The Clarence Correctional Centre is an
innovative facility with a state-of-the-art operator-led design
focusing on safety, security and rehabilitation.
It supports local community projects,
provides secure long-term employment and will continue
to boost the local Clarence Valley economy well into the future.