Goulburn Council is rallying against the closures, which are set to occur in September. Photo: John Thistleton.
A Southern Tablelands council has called for “stability and fairness” in discussions around the future of its jail.
Goulburn Mulwaree Council (GMC) Mayor Nina Dillon used her mayoral minute at a recent meeting to call for a pause to jail closures.
The Goulburn Correctional Complex houses two facilities – the Goulburn Correctional Centre (Goulburn CC) and the High Risk Management Correctional Centre (HRMCC), or ‘Supermax’.
Earlier this year, the NSW Government announced its plan to close part of the former facility.
Mayor Dillon wrote that there had been a “lack of open, constructive consultation” before the announcement and that the council feared economic impacts from the hit to one of the area’s major employers.
She is calling for a pause on the closure until “genuine” discussions are held.
Under the plan, the maximum security wing of Goulburn CC, which consists of four Victorian-era wings, will close, while Silverwater Women’s Correctional Centre will also face operational changes.
It’s understood that Goulburn’s Supermax facility will not be affected.
During the meeting, councillor Jason Shepherd called for a “proper public inquiry” and a debate in NSW Parliament over the change.
“A change this big deserves transparency and a real chance for the community to be heard.
“If the changes do go ahead, the State Government needs a clear plan to protect and grow the Goulburn Mulwaree economy so that the region isn’t left carrying the cost.
“At the end of the day, this is about stability and fairness.”
As part of the closure, it’s understood 170 inmates will be transferred from Goulburn to the Junee and Clarence correctional centres.
The former was taken over by the NSW Government in April 2025, more than two decades after it was privatised in 1993.
But councillor Michael Prevedello said there were still unknowns around the government’s plan, particularly around the “extent of reductions” at the facility.
“The indications are that we’ve had is it will be cuts, but it’s also been suggested that there will also be ‘closure’.
“That concerns me because we don’t know what it means.”
He said that while the four Victorian-era wings slated for closure did not meet modern standards, a management plan for the buildings that accounted for their heritage considerations must be developed.
He suggested they could be utilised by a Corrective Services NSW program.
“The fact remains, these structures are historic … These old buildings must be made to serve a purpose, because when an old building doesn’t serve a purpose, it goes down the drain.”
Ms Dillon said she was given “no definitive answer” about the jail’s future during a meeting with NSW Minister for Corrective Services Anoulack Chanthivong.
“They said it’s all still very open – they hadn’t made any formal decisions,” she added.
The need to consider the Goulburn CC’s condition was echoed by councillor Christopher O’Mahony.
“The Junee [facility has] modern buildings that are 30 or 40 years old – falling to bits.
“Whereas our Victorian wings are rock solid and, arguably, in fantastic shape.”
In response to questions from Region, Mr Chanthivong defended the government’s plan to close parts of the jail, describing it as a safety issue.
“These wings are no longer fit for purpose in a modern correctional system. This also reflects the assessment of the independent Inspector of Custodial Services.”
Previously, the inspector recommended that Corrective Services NSW develop plans for the closure of Goulburn CC’s maximum security accommodation units and yards.
But a report released in June 2022 said it would be “impossible” to refurbish it to satisfactory standards, with it being poorly ventilated, having ligature points and missing showers.
The Goulburn CC opened in 1884. Photo: File.
Councillor O’Mahony also thanked staff who spoke to councillors during their recent public forum earlier this month.
“[They] bravely put their position regarding this proposal [before council].”
The NSW Government previously stated that affected staff will be offered opportunities for redeployment to equivalent positions within Corrective Services NSW (CSNSW).
Councillor Caitlin Flint said it appeared staff at the Goulburn CC had been overlooked, pointing to a lack of engagement or notification before the announcement was made.
“I think that many feel like their voices were taken away far too soon. … [They] heard via social media and then were gagged from speaking publicly in an attempt to make it all go away quietly.
“Disgusting, unprofessional behaviour and it needs to be addressed.”
Councillor Bob Kirk described the plan as the latest example of services withdrawing from their city, such as the closure of Kenmore Hospital and government departments that had closed their Goulburn offices.
“Here, again, is another case of that happening.”
Mr Chanthivong hit out at what he described as “cynical misinformation” on the topic.
“Goulburn is a proud prison town, and we will not change that,” he told Region.
He reminded people that the whole jail wasn’t closing and also said that no forced relocations or redundancies would take place, while any staff wanting to stay at Goulburn CC would be given “options” so they could.
“A six-month period of genuine consultation with staff is currently underway and I have personally met with staff twice since the announcement.
“I also visited Goulburn last week to meet with the local mayors and the local member, in addition to talking to staff.”
These changes are expected to be in effect by the end of September.
The Goulburn CC opened in 1884 for male inmates. Two wings also closed in early 2024.
