socio economic impact assessment additions and …

SOCIO ECONOMIC IMPACT ASSESSMENT

Additions and Alterations to Junee Correctional

Centre

Prepared for Phillips Smith Conwell

By BBC Consulting Planners

Job No. FINAL Draft SEIA Junee Correctional Centre v1

October, 2016

Table of Contents

1. INTRODUCTION ..............................................................................................1 1.1 Background ..................................................................................................... 1

1.2 Scope and Methodology ................................................................................. 1 1.2.1 Note on Involvement in Community Consultation ............................................. 3

1.3 Existing Socio Economic Impact Assessments ........................................... 3

2. THE PROJECT .................................................................................................5 2.1 The Existing Facility........................................................................................ 5

2.1.1 Areas / Facilities ................................................................................................ 5

2.2 Surrounding Urban Context ........................................................................... 6

2.3 Proposed Additions ........................................................................................ 6

2.4 Operational Workforce .................................................................................... 6 2.4.1 Staff Recruitment .............................................................................................. 7 2.4.2 Staff Location .................................................................................................... 7

2.5 Construction Workforce ................................................................................. 7 2.5.1 Construction Employment Opportunities .......................................................... 7

2.6 Visits ................................................................................................................. 7 2.6.1 Visiting hours ..................................................................................................... 8 2.6.2 Number of Visitors ............................................................................................. 8

2.7 Security ............................................................................................................ 8 2.7.1 Existing Minimum/Medium Security .................................................................. 8 2.7.2 Proposed Maximum Security ............................................................................ 9 2.7.3 Internal security ................................................................................................. 9 2.7.4 Perimeter security systems ............................................................................... 9

2.8 Inmate Employment ...................................................................................... 10 2.8.1 Programs and Services ................................................................................... 10 2.8.2 Minimum Security ............................................................................................ 10 2.8.3 Maximum Security ........................................................................................... 11

2.9 Community Interrelationships ..................................................................... 11 2.9.1 Community Consultative Committee ............................................................... 11

3. DEMOGRAPHIC PROFILE ............................................................................ 12 3.1.1 Corrective Services NSW Inmates .................................................................. 12

3.1.1.1 NSW Inmate Census ....................................................................... 12 3.1.1.2 Junee Correctional Centre ............................................................... 12

3.2 Description of Communities ........................................................................ 12

3.3 Demographic Overview ................................................................................ 13 3.3.1 Current Population .......................................................................................... 13 3.3.2 Future Population Trends ................................................................................ 14

3.4 Household Type and Structure .................................................................... 15 3.4.1 Housing Market ............................................................................................... 16

3.4.1.1 Forecast for Dwellings and Development ........................................ 16

3.5 Social and Economic Characteristics ......................................................... 17 3.5.1 Ethnicity ........................................................................................................... 17 3.5.2 Education ........................................................................................................ 17 3.5.3 Employment and Labour Force Structure ....................................................... 17 3.5.4 Economic Characteristics ................................................................................ 18

4. SOCIAL EFFECTS ......................................................................................... 19 4.1 Introduction ................................................................................................... 19

4.2 Local Community Concerns ......................................................................... 19

4.3 Concerns over Safety and Security Relating to Escapes .......................... 19 4.3.1 NSW Trends in Correctional Centre Security ................................................. 20 4.3.2 Reasons for Escape ........................................................................................ 21 4.3.3 Offending Behaviour ....................................................................................... 23

4.3.3.1 Time to Plan Escape ........................................................................ 23 4.3.4 Impact of Existing Correctional Centre ........................................................... 24 4.3.5 Impacts of the Proposed Maximum Security Facility ...................................... 24

4.4 Concerns about Effects on Community ...................................................... 24 4.4.1 Correctional Centre Trends - Families of Inmates Moving into

Correctional Centre Host Communities .......................................................... 24 4.4.2 Likelihood of Families of Inmates Moving into the Junee Area....................... 25 4.4.3 Impact of Visitors to Inmates – Increase in Crime .......................................... 26 4.4.4 Likelihood of Discharged Prisoners Remaining in the Area ............................ 27

4.5 Positive Community Effects ......................................................................... 27

4.6 Effect on Transport ....................................................................................... 28

4.7 Effect on Crime and Policing Services ........................................................ 29 4.7.1 Correctional Centre Trends ............................................................................. 30 4.7.2 Crime Trend Analysis – Junee ........................................................................ 31

4.8 Effect on Health Services ............................................................................. 32 4.8.1 Effect on Hospital Services ............................................................................. 32

4.9 Effect on Educational and Child Care Services ......................................... 33 4.9.1 Effects on Childcare ........................................................................................ 33 4.9.2 Shine for Kids .................................................................................................. 34 4.9.3 Effect on Schools ............................................................................................ 34 4.9.4 Effect on Higher Education Services .............................................................. 35

4.10 Effect on the Indigenous Community .......................................................... 36 4.10.1 Offender Management - Aboriginal offenders ................................................. 36 4.10.2 Effect on Indigenous Employment Opportunities ............................................ 37 4.10.3 Effect on Demand for Indigenous Services ..................................................... 37

5. ECONOMIC EFFECTS ................................................................................... 39 5.1 General Employment Trends ....................................................................... 39

5.2 Employment Opportunities .......................................................................... 40

5.2.1 Construction .................................................................................................... 40 5.2.2 Operation ........................................................................................................ 41

5.3 Correctional Centre Expenditure ................................................................. 41 5.3.1 Purchasing Policies ......................................................................................... 41 5.3.2 Visitor Expenditure .......................................................................................... 42

5.4 Multiplier Effect ............................................................................................. 42

5.5 Impact on Property and Land Values .......................................................... 43

6. SUMMARY OF FINDINGS AND RECOMMENDATIONS .............................. 45 6.1 Summary ........................................................................................................ 45

6.2 Recommendations ........................................................................................ 46 6.2.1 Minimise Potential Negative Impacts .............................................................. 46 6.2.2 Maximise Positive Economic and Social Impacts ........................................... 47

TABLES

Table 1: Total Population for the Junee SSC, Junee LGA and Riverina, 2006 and 2011 ...... 14 Table 2: 2014 Population Projections for the Junee LGA, Riverina - Murray Region and NSW 2011-2036 .............................................................................................................................. 14 Table 3: Selected Population Characteristics for the Junee LGA and NSW 2006-2036 ........ 15 Table 4: Occupied Private Dwellings ...................................................................................... 15 Table 5: Forecast dwellings and development in Riverina Cities ........................................... 17 Table 6: Index of Relative Socio-Economic Advantage and Disadvantage 2011 ................... 18 Table 7: Trends in Escapes by Security Level / Program – 2001/2002 – 2012-2013 ............ 20 Table 8: Reason for Escape ................................................................................................... 22 Table 9: Time to Plan Escape ................................................................................................ 23 Table 10: Incidents of Malicious Damage to Property in Junee Local Government Area, from June 2012 – June 2016 .......................................................................................................... 31 Table 11: Incidents of Assault in Junee Local Government Area, from June 2012 – June 2016 ............................................................................................................................................... 31 Table 12: Trends in Enrolments in Government Schools in Junee (2012-2016) .................... 34 Table 13: Employed by Industry – 2011 Census data (Junee) ............................................... 39

APPENDICES

Appendix 1 - Figures Appendix 2 - Demographic Summary

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1. INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background Junee Correctional Centre (“JCC”), a medium and minimum security prison for males, is located in the suburb of Junee, approximately 450km west of the Sydney CBD. The facility was constructed to securely house 790 adult male prisoners at full capacity in 1993. In accordance with the NSW Inmate Census (2015), the facility currently houses 839 male inmates.

The NSW custody statistics show that there are currently 12,390 adults and 294 juveniles in custody (both remand and sentenced prisoners)1 in NSW. In June 2015 the Deputy Premier and Minister for Justice announced that the state’s prisons were reaching capacity and in addition to recent changes to the NSW bail laws there has been additional pressure on the prison system by keeping more people in custody while they were before the courts. With the NSW prison population estimated to continue to grow, potentially climbing to as high as 17,600 prisoners by 20362, the Junee Correctional Centre has been identified as a centre with capacity to expand to provide additional maximum security beds within a new secure perimeter, abutting the existing centre.

In summary, the proposal comprises the construction of a new 480 – bed maximum security modular building as well as alteration and additions to existing buildings and refurbishment and upgrade of existing services.

A physical description of the existing site and the proposed development is included in the Review of Environmental Factors (“REF”).

BBC Consulting Planners has been commissioned to prepare this Socio Economic Impact Assessment (“SEIA”) as part of the REF. This report assesses the general socio economic considerations in relation to both the maximum security prison upgrade and other works including early works such as car parking.

The objectives of undertaking this study are as follows:

To assess the social and economic impacts of the proposed new facility on the local community;

To ensure that the positive effects of the expansion are maximised; and

Where any negative effects of the development are predicted, to minimise the extent of these and to provide a basis for addressing any issues and problems arising from the new centre.

Achievement of these objectives is seen to be of value both to the local and broader community and the centre.

1.2 Scope and Methodology Social Impact Assessment (SIA) is the analysis of social changes and impacts on a community that are likely to occur as a result of a particular development, planning scheme, or government

1 “NSW Custody Statistics Quarterly Update (March 2016) NSW Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research 2 Donnelly N., Halstead I., Corben S., Weatherburn D., (2015) The 2015 NSW prison population forecast. NSW

Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research, Corrective Services Australia.


policy decision. Remembering that not all social changes within a community will cause social impacts, and not all population growth in a community will result in a negative social impact, the role of the SEIA is to ensure that the process of change is anticipated, prepared for and managed adequately to minimise any potential negative impacts and maximise the positive benefits to the community.3

There are many definitions of social impact. Two definitions suitable to the present assessment are:

Significant events experienced by people as changes in one or more of the following:

People’s way of life – how they live, work, play and interact with one another on a day-to-day basis;

Their culture – that is, their shared beliefs, customs, and values; Their community – its cohesion, stability, character, services and facilities4.

And

By social impacts we mean the consequences to human populations of any public or private actions that alter the ways in which people live, work, play, relate to one another, organize to meet their needs and generally cope as members of society. The term also includes cultural impacts involving changes to the norms, values, and beliefs that guide and rationalize their cognition of themselves and their society.5

Economic impact assessment is also a useful tool in understanding changes to income, employment opportunities and wider effects in purchasing and spending in the region. Used together, a socio-economic impact assessment can provide a comprehensive, co-ordinated picture of these overlapping issues, providing information on potential economic impacts as well as important social values held by the community which inform likely attitudes and responses to the proposed change.

The social and economic impact assessment has involved the following methodology:

1. Scoping. Identify potentially affected groups and individuals and their issues of concern and the nature of the likely impact – what might happen where and to whom?

2. Profiling. Describe the nature of the groups and individuals likely to be affected. 3. Prediction. What are the social and economic impacts associated with the

development, who is affected and to what extent? 4. Assessment. Are these impacts significant given the priorities, policies and programs

of Government? 5. Management, mitigation, monitoring and review. How can we best manage the

potential impacts of this development which we have identified? 6. Recommendations. What recommended strategies and actions will produce the best

outcomes for the groups or individuals potentially impacted by the development?

3 “Social Impact Assessment: Guidance for assessing and managing the social impacts of projects”. (2015)

International Association for Impact Assessment. 4 ”Social Impact Assessment for Local Government: A Handbook for Councillors, Town Planners and Social

Planners” (1995) NSW Office of Social Policy. 5 “Principles and guidelines for social impact assessment in the USA” by The Interorganizational Committee on

Principles and Guidelines for Social Impact Assessment, Impact Assessment and Project Appraisal, volume 21, number 3, September 2003.


1.2.1 Note on Involvement in Community Consultation

NSW Department of Justice engaged JBA Urban Development Consultants, to carry out the community and stakeholder consultation during the development of the REF. Consultation for the expansion of the facility commenced 19 September 2016 and was concluded on 7 October 2016. The process involved the distribution of letters of notification, seeking input and feedback on the proposal, as well as face to face discussions with key stakeholders. The results of this general community consultation process has been taken into consideration in the development of the SEIA.

In addition, BBC Consulting Planners has undertaken some targeted discussions to inform the assessment of social and economic impacts of the proposal and the development of appropriate mitigation measures where potential impacts have been identified. During the targeted consultation, the following service providers with contacted:-

Primary and High Schools

Childcare Centres

Social housing providers

NSW Police (Local Area Command)

Aboriginal service providers

1.3 Existing Socio Economic Impact Assessments The social and economic impacts of a number of existing and planned correctional centres throughout NSW have been documented in a series of investigations prior to, and since, the respective centre commenced operations.

The following Post-Occupancy social impact studies have informed the basis of our assessment:-

Mid North Coast Correctional Centre Post-Occupancy Socio-Economic Impact Assessment prepared by BBC Consulting Planners, August 2007;

Lithgow Correctional Centre Socio-Economic Impact Assessment prepared by BBC Consulting Planners, May 2007;

Specifically, these studies have monitored the following key issues which have been identified as being of particular interest to communities in relation to correctional centres throughout NSW:-

Community fears and concerns regarding the prison;

Property values and saleability of nearby lands;

Status of the prison within the community;

Economic impact of the prison having regard to direct and indirect investment and expenditure;

Impacts of the prison on temporary accommodation and low cost housing; and

Impacts on social services generally, including health, childcare, community, crime etc.

The studies have found that, in general, existing correctional centres are well established in the social and economic fabric of the communities. Negative social impacts associated with centres are generally minimal or non-existent. While some negative perceptions can be held


by members of local communities, these tend to be of a minor nature and do not impact on the day-to-day activities of communities.


2. The Project

The current NSW custody statistics show that there are 12,390 adults and 294 juveniles in custody (both remand and sentenced prisoners) in NSW6. In June 2015 the Deputy Premier and Minister for Justice announced that the state’s prisons were reaching capacity and in addition to recent changes to the NSW bail laws there has been additional pressure on the prison system by keeping more people in custody while they were before the courts. The NSW prison population is estimated to continue to grow, potentially climbing to as high as 17,600 prisoners by 20367.

The Junee Correctional Centre has been identified as a centre with capacity to expand to provide additional maximum security beds.

2.1 The Existing Facility Junee Correctional Centre, a medium and minimum security prison for adult males, is located in the suburb of Junee, approximately 450km west of the Sydney CBD, 40km north of Wagga Wagga and 2.5km west of the township of Junee. Since its opening in 1993, the facility has been privately managed by GEO on behalf of Corrective Services NSW. It is New South Wales largest regional correctional centre.

In accordance with the NSW Inmate Census (2015), there are currently 706 medium security male inmates and 133 minimum security male inmates currently being held at the centre, resulting in a total of 839 inmates.

The Centre is situated off Park Lane, and comprises three lots being Lot 1 DP703393; Lot 2 DP703393 and Lot 2 DP593746. The site is square in shape and has an area of around 108 hectares. The existing correctional complex occupies an approximately 14 hectares of the total site area.

The Centre has primary frontage to Park Lane along its northern frontage and a secondary frontage to Old Junee Road along its western boundary. Access to the site is via a road which leads off Park Lane (see Figure 1, Appendix 1).

The existing prison buildings are contained within a large secure perimeter, with a stormwater pond located to the west of the perimeter fencing and a number of mature trees. Visitor and staff car parking is located just east of the existing facility.

2.1.1 Areas / Facilities

Outside the secure fenced area:- Staff amenities building; and ‘Shine for Kids’ child care facility

Inside the secure fenced area is:-

The gatehouse; The minimum security unit;

6 NSW Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research (March 2016) NSW Custody Statistics Quarterly Update. 7 Donnelly N., Halstead I., Corben S., Weatherburn D. (2015) The 2015 NSW prison population forecast. NSW

Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research, Corrective Services Australia.


The medium security unit; and The shared zone for the use of all inmates, comprising recreation areas, a clinic,

reception and visits, a gym and industries facilities.

2.2 Surrounding Urban Context The Centre is located in a rural area, surrounded by farmland acreages, typically devoted to broad acre farming, grazing and cropping for productive production in the likes of canola, wheat, oats, barley and wool.

Further east of the site is the Junee township which is located 40km north of the Riverina’s largest city, Wagga Wagga. Junee, founded on its railway heritage provides for a range of light industry, home businesses, consultancies and local services8.

At the southern end of the township is the Junee Railway Roundhouse & Museum which is a reflection of the towns history, formally known as a ‘railway’ town. Today the railway is still important but not in the way it was when the railway was essential to the town's economy.

2.3 Proposed Additions Outlined below, is a summary of the proposed works:-

480 maximum security beds;

Refurbishment and extensions to existing buildings incl. gatehouse, Health Centre, reception, administration, stores, kitchens, laundry, industries building;

Shine for Kids expansion; and

Car park expansion

A detailed description of the works proposed and a copy of the overall site plan is provided within the REF.

2.4 Operational Workforce Overall staffing numbers currently sit at approximately 277. Additional staffing numbers are currently unknown and will be confirmed following completion of the works. It is understood that additional permanent staff are expected to be employed at the JCC within the following categories:-

custodial

industries

programs

health

administration

It is understood that additional medical staff will also be employed or contracted by Justice Health in order to cater for the additional inmate population.

8 Junee Shire Council (2016), www.junee.nsw.gov.au/investment/doing-business.aspx


2.4.1 Staff Recruitment

Where possible, it is envisaged that 40% of new staff can be sourced from within the Junee LGA with up to 90% of staff being recruited from within a 1-hour drive from the Centre. This will provide an important pool for base grade custodial positions where such positions cannot be filled from within the CSNSW. Industries and non-custodial staff could also be recruited locally, where possible.

2.4.2 Staff Location

While the JCC itself is located within a rural area, the Centre is within close proximity to a number of small towns within the LGA and approximately 40km from the city of Wagga Wagga, a major regional centre for NSW. For this reason, it is likely that staff recruitment will occur within the Junee LGA and the Wagga Wagga LGA.

2.5 Construction Workforce Construction of the proposed facilities are expected to commence in February 2017 and will take approximately 36 months to complete. The completion of the proposed additions is expected in February 2019. During construction, approximately 120 construction workers are expected to be inducted on site.

2.5.1 Construction Employment Opportunities

The contract documentation will contain standard requirements under the Government Apprentice Employment Policy and Training Management Guidelines, requiring the contractor to ensure that 20% of trade work involved in the contract is undertaken by apprentices and that employees receive ongoing training in their discipline. The contract documentation will also contain requirements under the NSW Government’s Aboriginal Participation in Construction Guidelines. This will include the establishment of an Indigenous Consultative Committee that would involve various stakeholders and would seek to achieve employment for Indigenous Australians on the project.

2.6 Visits Visits to inmates is seen as an integral part of the rehabilitation of inmates. In this regard, the centre provides for secure visitation to inmates within the visits complex, located inside the centre.

The maximum visit time is 1 hour, which must be booked in advance by phoning the centre prior to the intended visit time in order to avoid large groups arriving at the centre at any one time.

A maximum of 4 adult visitors and 4 children are allowed a visit at any one time. If the inmate has more than 4 children, they are allowed to book all the children in for the one visit. Any visitors under the age of 18 must be supervised by a responsible adult. Only the names submitted when the visit was booked will be allowed access to the centre on the visiting day. Dress standards apply, in accordance with local procedures.


2.6.1 Visiting hours

Visits to the centre are outlined below.

Remand Facility

Friday between the hours of 8:30am – 11:30am; and

Saturdays, Sundays and Public Holidays between the hours of 8.30am - 11:30am and 12.30pm - 3.30pm

Medium / Minimum Security Facility

Saturday and Sunday between the hours of 8:30am – 3:30pm

Public holidays between the hours of 8:30am – 3:30pm

Proposed Maximum Security Facility

Visitation hours for maximum security inmates is unknown at this stage. However, it is expected that visits to maximum security inmates will occur during the weekends in accordance with the existing visitation hours.

2.6.2 Number of Visitors

The most recent reports indicate that from September 2015 - September 2016 there were approximately 17,513 visitors to the centre (an average of 1,459 per month).

The overall total number of visitors to the Centre per year/month is expected to increase with the additional 480 beds which has been taken into consideration with the additions and alteration proposed to the existing visits area (Block 4).

2.7 Security In general, the objectives of the security system are maintained through constructive staff/inmate interaction, complimented by mechanical and electronic devices.

With the aim to ensure the safety of the inmates, staff and the local community the following principle objectives of the security system include:-

To prevent inmates from escaping;

To prevent illegal entry into the correctional centre; and

To control any aggressive behaviour of inmates towards staff, visitors and other inmates.

2.7.1 Existing Minimum/Medium Security

Currently the medium/minimum security inmates are classified as Category C2 and C3 for the purposes of security. Category C2 inmates are those considered to need some level of supervision by a correctional officer or other authorised person, and are not necessarily confined by a physical barrier at all times. Category C3 inmates are persons who are not required to be supervised and are not required to be confined by a physical barrier at all times.

The primary physical security measure currently used is fencing in conjunction with electronic surveillance and detection systems. These systems are enhanced with static and dynamic


security by all staff through the use of area and case management principles to facilitate the classification process.

2.7.2 Proposed Maximum Security

Management strategies for the proposed maximum security facility are expected to include the following:-

Security and inmate control which will rely on “direct supervision”. This key concept involves placing custodial staff in accommodation units where they are in direct sight and sound contact with inmates;

Groups of inmates (between 50-80 inmates) managed on an area management basis encouraging decentralisation of decision-making and relying on achieving a high level of security through the use of staff-inmate interaction;

Individual inmate programs managed on a case management basis to encourage structured interaction and personalises the area management process by allocating groups of inmates to multi-disciplinary case-management teams; and

Inmates will be subject to a structured day to provide for and encourage them to be occupied with either work, education and life skills courses, or constructive recreation and hobby craft programs for the best part of the working week.

2.7.3 Internal security

Internal security is based on an appropriate level of personal contact between inmates and staff and includes ‘zoning’ principles to increase dynamic security.

2.7.4 Perimeter security systems

The existing perimeter security system encloses the accommodation units and playing fields, as well as the industries, programs and visits. The perimeter fencing will be extended to accommodate the proposed maximum security facilities.

The existing and proposed perimeter security consists of:-

Perimeter fencing for the existing and proposed facilities includes a two fence system separated by a sterile zone. The inner fence, a heavy duty expanded mesh fence 5.1 metres high whilst the outer fence, a 5.1-metre-high “MACEM” fence topped with a roll top drum);

There is a microwave security system surrounding the facility which will be extended to include the maximum security facility;

A video motion detection system for comprehensive 24-hour perimeter surveillance;

An existing sealed, one-way road surrounding the perimeter wall, providing the opportunity for staff to respond to attempted breaches of the perimeter by vehicle will be extended around the perimeter of the maximum security facility; and

An existing standard 2.4-metre-high chain wire link fence delineates the property boundary.


2.8 Inmate Employment The delivery of a comprehensive range of educational, training, vocational and cognitive-behavioural programs is an integral part of the offender programme endeavour in contemporary correctional management. Such programs aim to provide offenders with ‘work readiness’ capabilities to enhance their prospects of gaining employment upon release from prison which in turn, is said to reduce the risk of re-offending through successful re-integration into the community upon release.

2.8.1 Programs and Services

Approximately 74.18% of inmates are employed in industries and programs within the Centre. These industries include:-

Ground and building maintenance;

Unit work including cleaning, painting and barbers;

Staff canteen and a number of hygiene programs;

Durabuilt Farm/grounds maintenance;

A commercial laundry servicing the centre's needs with the capacity to assist external clients;

Engineering (mostly light fabrication);

Packaging, spray painting, textiles and woodwork;

Furniture manufacture (Shopfitting & Joinery); and

Food services where meals are prepared.

2.8.2 Minimum Security

All inmates within the minimum security area are on an education, training and employment program. The programs are designed to support the pathway to employment and further education in the community and will offer assistance to inmates to address their barriers to education.

Inmates can participate in part-time basic education classes as well as engage in employment with the Corrective Services Industries.

The employment of inmates also has a positive benefit on the demand for local community services. Involvement with community organisations has seen inmates assist local organisations in need such as the senior citizens centre with the construction of a new kitchen which was constructed in the centres industries workshop by a group of 10 inmates whom where completing a certificate in shopfitting9. Other partnerships include the Habitat for Humanity which has seen three houses prefabricated inside the prison for transport to local families in need10.

9 The GEO Group Australia Pty Ltd (2016), www.geogroup.com.au/junee-correctional-centre.html 10 Ibid.


In addition to the industries and programs offered on site, there is an operational work release program whereby 2 inmates are currently employed at the Junee Abattoirs. It is understood that there is scope to expand the work release program subject to future partnerships with community organisations and business providers. However, the proposed additions are unlikely to place additional demand on these employment opportunities given no additions are proposed to for minimum/medium security inmates.

2.8.3 Maximum Security

It is understood that new additions may increase the number of inmates participating in industry employment within the centre. The type of industries available to maximum security inmates is yet to be determined and will be subject to the assessment of individual inmates. However, it is understood that the proposed facility will include a commercial laundry facility.

2.9 Community Interrelationships

2.9.1 Community Consultative Committee

The establishment of Community Consultative Committees is a standard practice of Corrective Services NSW, as a function of a correctional centre to inform its community with regards to the construction and operation of centres. Committee members are generally drawn from the local community (especially neighbours), the magistracy, courts administration, local Government, police, representatives of the local business community, local community service and health care providers, as well as correctional centre management and staff. Representatives of Aboriginal groups may also be represented on the Committee. Community Consultative Committees are seen as an important element for maintaining community reparation activities.

The role of Community Consultative committees is:

To assist in the development and maintenance of a positive relationship with the local community;

To provide a forum for local community consultation and comment on correctional programs and procedures;

To facilitate the involvement of the local community in correctional centre programs;

To assist in the resolution of issues arising in the community associated with the centre; and;

To provide a mechanism to identify appropriate programs in which the Correctional Centre can participate and assist the local community.

Activities undertaken through Committee organisations around NSW have involved inmates assisting community organisations in tree planting, rubbish removal, mowing, welding and other general maintenance, brush clearing and bush care, noxious weed removal, post flood clean-ups, fence repairs and dismantling facilities for show days.

The Community Consultative Committee is currently operational at JCC and meets every two weeks.


3. Demographic Profile

3.1.1 Corrective Services NSW Inmates

3.1.1.1 NSW Inmate Census

Detainees under the jurisdiction of the Department of Immigration and Citizenship, who are residing in prisons are counted in the general scope of the Census, however only basic demographic status is available.

As part of the Australian National Prison Census a census of NSW inmates who are managed by Corrective Services NSW is conducted annually. As recorded in December 2015 there were 11,788 full time custody inmates in NSW of which 92.7% were male and 7.3% were female. The majority of inmates are aged between 18-44 years (79.2%) born in Australia (77.0%) and have never been married (58.8% at time of reception). 24.2% of all inmates were Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islanders11.

Of all inmates 50% were classified as minimum security, 29.5% medium and 16.3% maximum security level. 76.4% had a known prior imprisonment. 94.8% of inmates lived in NSW (last known address) with 8.1% from Sydney – South West, 7.5% from Inner South West12.

Trends in the age profile of inmates reveals the inmate population is ageing with 20.9% of the population now aged 45 and over. There has been a decline in the proportion of inmates aged between 18-24 years (39.3% in 1982 and 17.6% in 2015) 13.

Between 2014 and 2015 there were 8,297 discharges from correctional centres in NSW on sentence completion. The majority of discharges were on parole (73.5%) with 26.5% having served their sentence14.

3.1.1.2 Junee Correctional Centre

Junee Correctional Centre is an adult male only centre with 839 current inmates. The 706 male medium security inmates accounts for 6.0% of the total inmate population within NSW while the 133 male minimum security inmates make up 1.1% total inmate population within NSW15.

3.2 Description of Communities The Junee Correctional Centre is located within the suburb of Junee (“Junee SS”) with the neighbouring suburbs including Old Junee and Wantabadgery (see Figure 2 attached Appendix 1). Historically a town that is home to one of the most important railway centres in the state of New South Wales, Junee has developed its town centre with hotels and railway facilities, as well as the largest wheat terminal in the Southern Hemisphere, built in 1952.

The suburb of Junee falls within the Junee Local Government Area (“Junee LGA”), covering an area of 2,030km2, and has a population of 5,878. The Junee LGA forms part of the Riverina

11 Corrective Services NSW, December 2015. NSW Inmate Census 2015, Summary of Characteristics. 12 Ibid. 13 Ibid. 14 Corrective Services NSW, November 2015. Population Trends, Full Time Custody 2014-2015. 15 Corrective Services NSW, December 2015. NSW Inmate Census 2015, Summary of Characteristics


region. The Riverina region stretches 500kms east to west across south-central NSW and consists of the following local government areas:-

Wagga-Wagga

Coolamon

Cootamundra

Gundagai

Junee

Lockhart Narrandera

Temora

Tumut shire

Carrathool

Griffith

Hay

Leeton

Murrumbidgee

3.3 Demographic Overview The following demographic profile is based upon data provided by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) Census of Population and Housing for 2011. The purpose of this profile is to provide an understanding of the characteristics of the community within which the Junee Correctional Centre is located. As previously stated, detainees under the jurisdiction of the Department of Immigration and Citizenship, are counted in the general scope of the Census, however only basic demographic status is available. The population counts recorded in this report will include the inmate population for total population counts however the detailed analysis of the population (for example employment status, household type, education) will not.

The Census results have been supplemented with other data where available. Three main comparative areas have been used within this demographic profile, the first being the Junee State Suburb (SS) which includes the inmates housed within the Junee Correctional Centre, the Junee LGA and the Riverina Region. 2006 census data has also been presented in the SIA to identify broad trends and changes in demographic composition.

As noted by the ABS, detainees under the jurisdiction of the Department of Immigration and Citizenship, in detention centres in Australia, people in police lock ups or prisons are in the scope of the Census. Details are sourced from administrative data so only basic demographic statistics including age, gender, indigenous and marital status are available16.

In addition, the demographic features of Junee State Suburb, Old Junee State Suburb, Wantabadgery State Suburb, Riverina Statistical Area Level 4, Junee Statistical Area Level 2, Junee LGA and the State of NSW has been provided in Appendix 2. A summary of key demographic indicators is outlined below.

3.3.1 Current Population

A summary of the demographic analysis recorded by the 2011 Census reveals that the Junee State Suburb (“Junee SS”) housed 4,578 people, accounting for 78% of the LGA population (of 5,878). There has been significant growth in the population since 2006 (3,745) reflecting the recent growth in housing in the area.

16 Australian Bureau of Statistics, 2011. 2901.0 – Census Dictionary, 2011 Scope and Coverage.


Table 1 below illustrates that between 2006 and 2011, significant population growth occurred within the Junee SS, with rates of growth much higher than that recorded for the Junee LGA (2.7%) and Riverina Statistical Area Level 4 (“Riverina region”) (4.4%).

Table 1: Total Population for the Junee SSC, Junee LGA and Riverina, 2006 and 2011

Area 2006 2011 2006-2011 Change

Persons Persons Persons % Junee SS 3,745 4,578 833 13.2%

Junee LGA 5,779 5,878 99 2.7% Riverina 143,391 150,120 6,279 4.4%

Source: ABS Census of Population and Housing, Basic Community Profile, 2006 & 2011. *Greater Capital City Statistical Areas (GCCSA’s) in 2011 replace the current 2006 Capital City Statistical Divisions reflecting minor changes to the Greater Sydney boundary. Age Structure

The Junee SS had a slightly lower proportion of children aged 14 years and under in 2011, compared to the Junee LGA (18.7% and 19.4% respectively).

In 2011, 41.8% of residents in the Junee SS were aged 25-54, a higher proportion than that recorded within the Junee LGA and Riverina region (40.8% and 37.5% respectively).

The Junee SS had a similar proportion of persons aged 65 years and over (14.7%) compared to the Junee LGA 14.4% however, lower than Riverina region at 15.7%.

3.3.2 Future Population Trends

Having regard to the population counts from the Australian Bureau of Statistics (2001 to 2011), the Department of Planning and Environment provides population projections in order to help plan and service infrastructure delivery for the community. The population projections show that NSW will grow to 9.9 million people by 203617.

Based on regional trends, Table 2 below shows population projections for the Junee LGA, Riverina - Murray Region and the state of NSW for the period 2011-2031. According to the 2016 data, the rate of annual population growth in the Junee LGA is projected to decline by 4.9% from between 2011 and 2036, compared to an increase in population by 6.4% within the Riverina - Murray Region during the same period18. NSW will experience a substantially higher rate of annual population growth at 27.3% during that same period.

Table 2: 2014 Population Projections for the Junee LGA, Riverina - Murray Region and NSW 2011-2036

Junee LGA Riverina - Murray Region NSW 2011 6,150 266,350 7,218,550 2016 6,200 273,150 7,748,000 2021 6,250 278,350 8,297,500 2026 6,150 281,750 8,844,700 2031 6,050 283,650 9,386,850 2036 5,850 284,450 9,925,550

17The Department of Planning NSW (2016), www.planning.nsw.gov.au/Research-and-

Demography/Demography/Population-Projections?acc_section=nsw_population_projection_scenarios 18Ibid.


Source: Transport and Population Data Centre (2016 release) http://www.planning.nsw.gov.au/Research-and-Demography/Demography/Population-Projections Table 3: Selected Population Characteristics for the Junee LGA and NSW 2006-2036

Year Junee LGA NSW

% aged 0-14 % aged

15-64 % aged 65+ % aged 0-14 % aged

15-64 % aged 65+

2011 18.5 67.7 13.7 18.9 66.5 14.5 2016 17.8 65.0 17.0 18.8 65.1 16.0 2021 17.7 61.2 20.9 19.0 63.6 17.3 2026 16.2 60.1 23.5 18.9 62.2 18.8 2031 16.3 58.1 25.8 18.5 61.4 19.9 2036 16.0 56.7 27.9 18.1 60.9 20.8

Source: Transport and Population Data Centre (2014 release) http://d.planning.nsw.gov.au/Portals/0/DeliveringHomes/PopulationProjections/Docs/2014_NSW_Population_Projections-data.xls

*Population characteristics for the Riverina - Murray Region are not available from the Department of Planning.

Population projections for the greater NSW and the Riverina – Murray Region illustrate a steady increase in population over time whilst the population projection for Junee LGA is estimated to decrease by 5.7% from 2016 – 2036.

In accordance with Table 3, the proportion of people aged 65+ years and older is expected to increase in both the Junee LGA and the greater NSW. In Junee, the proportion of people aged 65+ is expected to increase from 13.7% in 2011 to 27.9% in 2036. Similarly, in NSW the proportion of people aged 65+ is expected to increase from 14.5% in 2011 to 20.8% in 2036.

Concurrently, both the Junee LGA and the greater NSW will experience a decline in the proportion of the population 14 years and under from 18.5% (Junee) and 18.9% (NSW) of the population in 2011 to 16.0% (Junee) and 18.1% (NSW) in 2036.

3.4 Household Type and Structure As mentioned previously, the Junee Correctional Centre is located within the Junee suburb. Adjacent to the Junee Suburb is Old Junee and Wantabadgery. All three suburbs fall within the Riverina Region.

Table 4: Occupied Private Dwellings Occupied Private Dwellings:

Junee SS Old Junee SS Wantabadgery

SS Riverina Region

Separate House 3,164 83.9% 192 83.1% 108 81.8% 48,604 77.3% Semi-detached, row or terrace house,

53 3.3% 0 0.0% 0 0.0% 1,850 2.9%

Flat, unit or apartment 10 0.6% 0 0.0% 0 0.0% 3,849 6.1%

Other dwellings 3 0.2% 0 0.0% 0 0.0% 461 0.7%

Not stated 11 0.7% 0 0.0% 0 0.0% 75 0.1% Source: ABS Census of Population and Housing, Basic Community Profile 2011

*Housing structure calculated from profile.id based on classification of “medium and high density” housing.

In 2011, separate houses were the most common form of dwelling in the suburb of Junee and the surrounding suburb of Wantabadgery. This is commonly found to be the case in rural suburbs and is consistent with the finding for the Riverina region (77.3%).


While semi-detached, row or terrace houses were the second most common form of dwellings in 2011, such dwellings are uncommon when considering only 3.3% of the population of Junee SS and 0.0% of the population of Old Junee and Wantabadgery live in a semi-detached, row or terrace houses.

The rate of home ownership (including owned outright or owned with a mortgage) in the Junee SS (70.3%) was slightly less than the Junee LGA (72.3%), but higher than the New South Wales State average of 66.6%.

There was a higher proportion of dwellings being rented in the suburb of Junee (25.6%) compare to the surrounding area (17.8% in Old Junee and 20.0% in Wantabadgery suburbs) and that of the Junee LGA (23.9%).

The proportion of couple families with children in Junee (41.7%) is relevantly consistent with surrounding suburbs (Old Junee: 41.4%; Wantabadgery: 45.6%) and the Junee LGA (42.9%). Conversely, the proportion of single parent families in the Junee (19.3%) was notably higher than that of surrounding suburbs (Old Junee: 6.6%; Wantabadgery: 6.3%), and only slightly higher than the Junee LGA (16.4%).

3.4.1 Housing Market

As mentioned previously, the vast majority of dwellings within the Junee SS, Riverina region and the Junee LGA is separate houses, comprising between 83.9% in Junee, 77.3% in Riverina and 83.5% in the Junee LGA.

The Junee SS offers affordable housing prices well below those of capital cities and major regional centres. Having regard to the Australian Bureau of Statistics on Dwellings (mortgage and rent), in 2011 the median weekly rent for the Junee SS was $160 whilst compared to NSW which was significantly higher at $300. When compared to 2006, medium rents have noticeably increased in the Junee SS by an additional $45 and $110 in NSW.

In terms of sale prices, the median price for a separate house in Junee is $217,000 (as of August 2016) which reveals a 12-month growth of 10.15%. The median price trends reveal that this is noticeably higher than the median sale price in August 2015 ($197,000) and August 2014 ($183,000). Concurrently, the number of sales of separate houses in August 2016 was 81 which is slightly less than the number of houses sold in August 2015 (91) and August 2014 (112)19.

3.4.1.1 Forecast for Dwellings and Development

Residential development and an increase in housing stock is closely linked to, and is a major driver for population growth within a local area. It enables households to either relocate to an area or, new households to form locally.

Table 5 below provides forecast assumptions for dwellings and development within the Junee LGA of which the JCC is home too, and surrounding LGA’s located within the Riverina Region.

19Your Investment Property (2016), Suburb Profile Report For Junee NSW (2663),

www.yourinvestmentpropertymag.com.au/top-suburbs/nsw-2663-junee.aspx


Table 5: Forecast dwellings and development in Riverina Cities

Riverina LGA’s 2011 2021 2036

Change between 2011 and 2036

Number % Number % Number % Number %

Junee LGA 2,264 1.9% 2,446 1.9% 2,746 1.9% +482 +21.3%

Wagga Wagga LGA 24,906 20.5% 27,830 21.2% 32,705 22.1% +7,799 +31.3

Coolamon LGA 1,807 1.5% 1,917 1.5% 2,082 1.4% +275 +15.2

Cootamundra LGA 3,566 2.9% 3,748 2.9% 3,977 2.7% +411 +11.5

Gundagai LGA 1,771 1.5% 1,857 1.4% 2,003 1.4% +232 +13.1

Source: Forcast.id (2015 release) http://forecast.id.com.au/riverina-cities/dwellings-development-map *%= Percentage of dwellings within the Riverina Cities / Region.

Having regard to the Riverina region as a whole, the Wagga Wagga LGA located south of the Junee LGA is forecast for the greatest increase for dwellings and development within the Riverina Region (31.3%) between 2011 and 2036, while Junee is forecast for an 21.3% increase in development of new dwellings20.

3.5 Social and Economic Characteristics Key characteristics of the population of the Junee suburb and the Junee LGA are outlined below, which are compared to the Riverina Region where appropriate.

3.5.1 Ethnicity

In 2011 8.1% of the Junee SS population (including detainees at JCC) indicated that they were of Indigenous origin, which is significantly higher than the Junee LGA (6.7%) and Riverina (4.7%).

The Junee SS has some cultural diversity with 4.3% being from a non-English speaking background compared to 3.6% in the Junee LGA and 5.5% in Riverina.

In the Junee SS the two most common non-English speaking groupings was Arabic and Spanish, compared to Arabic and Chinese in the Junee LGA and Italian and Indo-Ayran in Riverina.

3.5.2 Education

Excluding detainees at JCC, 19.6% of people in the Junee SSC had completed Year 12 (or equivalent) of schooling compared to Junee LGA (24.2%) and Riverina (34.2%).

3.5.3 Employment and Labour Force Structure

Excluding the detainees at JCC, a smaller proportion (42.2%) of people aged over 15 in the Junee SS were in the labour force compared to Junee LGA (47.8%) and Riverina (60.8%).

20Forecast.id (2016), Riverina Cities, Dwellings and Development, forecast.id.com.au/riverina-cities/dwellings-

development-map


There were 1,570 (42.2%) people who reported being in the labour force in the 2011 Census. Of these 58.5% were employed full time, 27.5% were employed part-time. and 6.0% were unemployed. The percentage unemployed within the Junee SS was slightly higher when compared to the Junee LGA (5.0%) and significantly higher than the Riverina region (1.7%).

The most common industries for employed persons living in the Junee SS and Junee LGA were Manufacturing, Health Care and Social Assistance as well as Public Administration and Safety.

The median weekly personal income for people aged 15 years and over in the Junee SS was $462 which is slightly less when compared to the Junee LGA ($472).

3.5.4 Economic Characteristics

The ABS has developed four indexes, known as Socio Economic Indexes for Areas (SEIFA) which provide an indication of the socio-economic conditions of people living in an area, relative to other areas. For each index, every geographic area in Australia is given a SEIFA number which shows how disadvantaged that area is compared with other areas in Australia. Each index summarises a different aspect of the socio-economic conditions of people living in an area. The Index of Socio Economic Advantage and Disadvantage is a general socio-economic index created through a summary of information about the economic and social conditions of people and households within an area. Generally, a higher score indicates a relative lack of disadvantage and a greater advantage in general. A higher score can be a result of many households with high incomes or many people in skilled occupations as well as few households living in the area with low incomes or few people working in unskilled occupations.

SEIFA 2011 scores are outlined below to provide an indication of the relative level of advantage and disadvantage within the Junee Suburb, and the Junee LGA. The results for the 2011 Index of Disadvantage show that the Junee suburb is relatively more disadvantaged in general compared to other suburbs in Australia.

Table 6: Index of Relative Socio-Economic Advantage and Disadvantage 2011 Ranking within Australia Area Score Decile Percentile SEIFA Advantage and Disadvantage

Junee Suburb 893 2 12 Junee LGA 932 3 27

SEIFA Disadvantage Junee Suburb 906 2 13 Junee LGA 942 3 26

Assessment of the SA1 areas (see Figure 4A attached Appendix 1) also shows the population surrounding the JCC is also relatively disadvantaged with deciles ranging between 1 – 3 (least disadvantaged).


4. Social Effects

4.1 Introduction Social impacts in relation to new correctional centres are generally related to fear of escapees and the safety and security of residents of the adjoining neighbourhoods. This review is based on background research, compilation of a demographic profile, a review of key policies and relevant reports. Stakeholder concerns raised during the consultation period have been outlined and considered below with measures and actions that can be adopted by the Correctional Services New South Wales (“CSNSW”) to address these concerns.

As a result of the initial scoping exercise, additional social impact issues, relevant to the assessment of correctional centres have been identified and considered below. These relate to perceptions of safety and security, population change within local communities, effects on transportation services, health services, education and child care, and indigenous communities as well as local economic impacts and impact on property and land values.

In the case of the subject development it is relevant to note that:-

the proposed development is an extension within the site of an existing correctional centre; and

activities will be managed by qualified and appropriately trained staff and the community will not be exposed to any undue risk.

It is considered that the proposed development will have a positive social benefit for the wider community. It will provide much needed relief for the already overcrowded correctional facilities within NSW. The work release program will continue as will the industries program and both provide a positive contribution to the corrective function of the Centre.

4.2 Local Community Concerns Consultation conducted as part of the preparation of the REF revealed concerns arising from local residents in relation to the proposal. These concerns related to:-

Community safety concerns and appropriate provision of security to manage risks to the community;

The impact of visitors to inmates visiting / residing within the area and the potential for increase in crime within the community;

The likelihood of discharged inmates, particularly, those of maximum security and the impact this will have on the community;

The lack of current operational contracts offered to local service providers.

Impact on property values as a result of the expansion.

4.3 Concerns over Safety and Security Relating to Escapes In general, concerns for safety and security by local residents and communities is a common issue raised during consultation for prison developments.


Currently, a range of security measures are employed by the centre to restrict and control the movement of inmates. This is outlined in Section 2.7 of this report. As mentioned previously, new security measures including a dual 5.1m high Macem fence with roll tops and electric security will be installed to encompass the proposed additions associated with the maximum security facility.

4.3.1 NSW Trends in Correctional Centre Security

Managed by Corrective Services NSW (“CSNSW”) a Census of NSW Inmates is conducted on an annual basis to include an assessment on all NSW inmates, held in full time custody and of inmates with a ‘live’ order for periodic detention. The data presented is sourced from Corrective Services NSW with reliance upon the NSW Inmate Census. Whilst noting that the figures in relation to escapes and absconds were last reported in 2012/13 the data is the best available to assist in basing an analysis.

Having regard to Table 7 below, majority of escapes relate to inmates held under minimum security or, during some sort of escorted or unescorted release period. As mentioned in Section 2.7.1 of this report, minimum security inmates are those deemed to be low risk as a result of minor offences, and are persons who are not required to be supervised and are not required to be confined by a physical barrier at all times. Overall, the number of inmates involved in escapes from minimum security facilities has significantly reduced over time from 47 in 2001-2002 to only 5 in 2012-2013 which, results is an 89.4% decrees in the number of escapees.

Table 7: Trends in Escapes by Security Level / Program – 2001/2002 – 2012-2013

2001-2002

2002- 2003

2003-2004

2004-2005

2005-2006

2006-2007

2007-2008

2008-2009

2009-2010

2010-2011

2011-2012

2012-2013

From within maximum security

4 - - - 1 - - - - - - 1

From within medium security

- - - - 1 - - 4 - - 3 -

From within minimum security

47 15 7 24 12 6 6 10 2 20 11 5

Area adjacent to a maximum or medium security

- - - - - - - - - - - -

Malabar fines unit - - - - - - - - - - - - Escorted external work party

1 5 7 1 5 1 2 1 2 3 8 2

Escorted external sport/education

4 1 - - - - - - - - - -

Escorted - other (eg hospital)

3 1 1 3 3 - 1 1 1 3 - 1

Day/weekend leave

2 1 - - - - - 1 - - - -

Unescorted education programs

2 1 - - - - - - 1 1 - -

Work release programs

2 - 1 2 2 2 - - 1 1 - 1

Other unescorted authorised absence

- - 1 - - 1 1 - - - - -

Court complex 9 7 3 2 2 - - - 1 1 1 -


Source: NSW Department of Corrective Services Statistical Report 2012/13, Table 18a

The total number of escapees has notably decreased since 2001-2002 of which there were 79 total escapes. In 2012/13 there were only 10 escapes across NSW in total, one of which was from a maximum security facility and 5 from minimum security facilities. Other incidents occurred whilst being escorted and on work release program. However, the number of escapes from maximum security facilities has remained uniformly low since 197921.

Despite the full-time population of correctional centres increasing by 25% during the same period, from 8,154 inmates in 2002 to 10,933 in 2015, the number of total escapes has significantly reduced by 87% since the record high in 2001-2002 (79 escapes).

From late 1988, additional strategies designed to decrease the number of escapes were introduced across NSW. These included building more effective perimeter security systems, increasing supervision of inmates in minimum security camps and legislation to increase the penalty for escape. Case management practices have also helped in proactively identifying and dealing with issues that may lead to a desire to escape prior to an escape occurring.

4.3.2 Reasons for Escape

Currently, there is limited literature or data analysing prison escapes both in Australian or internationally. The most relevant and ‘recent’ study is one that was undertaken in NSW by the Research and Statistics Unit of the DCS over the period 1985 to 1992 to identify the reasons inmates escape22. This study reported that about half the respondents said they escaped because of family (or similar) problems outside, and about a fifth of the respondents said they had escaped because of pressure from other inmates. Many escapes are spontaneous - over half had been planning the escape for less than a day. The following table shows the percentage of the recaptured escapees to whom interview forms were sent who reported they had escaped for each category of reason.

21 Clark, J., Corben, S., Heggie, K. and Stone, L. (2006), Department of Corrective Services, Corporate Research,

Evaluation and Statistics, “Trends in escapes from NSW Department of Corrective Services custody”, Research Bulletin No. 22.

22 Thompson, B (1992) Department of Corrective Services “Reasons for Escape: Interviews with Recaptured Escapees”, Research Bulletin No. 17

Transport (including transfers)

1 - - - - - - - 1 - 1 -

Periodic detention 4 - 2 - 1 - - - - - - - Other - - - - - - - - - - - - Total 79 31 22 32 27 10 10 17 9 29 24 10

Rate per 100 offender years

1.0 0.4 0.3 0.3 0.3 0.1 0.1 0.2 0.1 0.3 0.2 0.1


Table 8: Reason for Escape

Reason

Date of Escape

Pre 88/89 (%)

88/89 to 91/92 (%)

92/93 onwards (%)

Total (%)

Outside Problems 38 41 31 36

Threats from Other Inmates 12 18 14 14

Pressure Use/Carry Drugs 2 2 1 2

Obtain Drugs/Alcohol 2 3 2 2

Under Influence Drugs/Alcohol 5 5 5 5

Conflict with Staff 1 4 3 3

Could Not Cope with Imprisonment 6 7 11 8

Did Not Want to be Transferred 3 6 4 4

Parole/Extradition/Deportation Concerns 3 2 1 2

Persuaded by Companion 3 3 1 2

Other 5 10 8 8

Refused Interview 5 8 3 5

Form Not Returned 26 9 23 20 Source: DCS Research and Statistics Unit, 1996

Concern about a problem at home was the most common reason for escape. Specifically, concerns ranged from crisis situations (for example, the inmate’s wife was suffering from post-natal depression and had twice attempted suicide) to wanting to find out why visits had stopped.

For an appreciable number of escapes, the reason given was that the inmate feared for his safety. There were also escapes related to drug use where the inmate was under the influence of alcohol or drugs at the time of escape or claimed to have escaped to avoid pressure to use drugs in the correctional centre.

Some inmates claimed they escaped because of anger at their treatment by the Department, for example transfers without notice. However, many responses seemed to indicate the decision to escape was made on the spur of the moment, either as a response to a general dislike of imprisonment, or for a reason the inmate was not willing to state.

In a handful of escapes, the inmate had been accidentally late returning from leave.

The Research and Statistics Unit noted that it was often difficult to deduce the reason for escape from the abridged questionnaires. Also, in quite a large percentage of cases no completed questionnaire was received.

Characteristics of escapees in NSW or Australia have not been reported, however studies in the US have found that there is significant relationship between escape and both age and committing offence, with younger offenders more likely to escape, but no significant relationship between escape and race or sex23.

23 Culp, R (2005) “Frequency and Characteristics of Prison Escapes in the United States: An analysis of national

data”, The Prison Journal, 85(3), pp 270-290.


4.3.3 Offending Behaviour

The 1992 NSW study found that three quarters of escapees were not convicted of any offences whilst at large, a finding which has been supported through other studies of court statistics in both NSW and the US.

Information provided by Corrective Services NSW’ Research and Statistics Unit indicates that between July 1988 and June 2000, 80% of escaped inmates were not convicted of any offence while at large. Offences committed by those who were convicted included break, enter and steal, driving while disqualified, and motor vehicle theft. Assault and use of arms or offensive weapons is relatively uncommon.

An Article published in the Australian and New Zealand Journal of Criminology entitled ‘Escapes from new south wales gaols: placing the risk in perspective’ provides further evidence to suggest that more than one-quarter of escapees are recaptured on either the day of escape or the following day and that majority of escapees (74.2%) were not convicted of committing any crimes or offences while at large24.

Data on the recapture of escapees is less accurate and relatively little detailed study has been undertaken25. One finding from an analysis of data in the United States has found that the capture rate improves as the security level increases, for example 69% from work release programs, 84% from low-security and minimum security facilities and 92% from medium security and high-security facilities26.

4.3.3.1 Time to Plan Escape

Most recaptured escapees involved in the 1992 NSW study had planned their escape for less than a day, with 85% planning it for less than a week.

Table 9: Time to Plan Escape

Time to Plan Escape Date of Escape

Pre 88/89 (%)

88/89 to 91/92(%)

92/93 Onwards (%)

Total (%)

Day 66 59 71 66

Week 19 22 18 20

Month 10 9 6 8

Month + 5 10 5 7

Note: Day = less than a full day Week = a day or more, but less than a week Month = a week or more, but less than a month Month + = a month or more Source: DCS Research and Statistics Unit, 1996

24 Australian & New Zealand Journal of Criminology December 1991 vol. 24 no. 3 204-218 25 The Department of Corrective Services’ Corporate Research, Evaluation and Statistics Unit intends to explore

the motivation behind inmate escapes and the potential risk these inmates pose to the community as part of a second planned stage of the “Trends in escapes” project (Department of Corrective Services, “Trends in escapes from NSW Department of Correctives custody”, Research Bulletin No. 22, November 2006, p. 2)

26 Culp, R (2005) “Frequency and Characteristics of Prison Escapes in the United States: An analysis of national data”, The Prison Journal, 85(3), pp 270-290.


4.3.4 Impact of Existing Correctional Centre

Previous studies undertaken by BBC Planners have revealed that community concerns are somewhat alleviated by a clear understanding of a correctional centre’s inmate security classification and the centre’s security measures and operations. Communities previously consulted by BBC Planners have indicated that they have felt a greater sense of security in the knowledge that local correctional centres have been maximum security facilities resulting in the view that there is reduced likelihood of inmate escape from this form of detention27.

The new facilities will be designed and managed to limit the risk of escape but also to limit inmate movement within the facility. In addition to the physical security measures (i.e. perimeter fences) there will be continued close case management and gathering of intelligence which will form an integral part to overall security at the centre and assist as a major deterrent to escapes.

Commonly linked to the fear of personal safety is that there will be an increase in crime within the local community as a result of a new prison or prison expansion. A review of crime data for the surrounding suburbs provides an indication of crime trends over time which can be used to assess the impact of an existing correctional facility, particularly when considering concerns from the community in regards to prisoners and families of inmates residing within the area. This is discussed in section 4.7 of this report.

4.3.5 Impacts of the Proposed Maximum Security Facility

The proposed facility includes the provision for 480 new maximum security beds in five two-storey accommodation buildings. This is in addition to the existing 706 medium security male inmates and 133 minimum security male inmates. As mentioned previously, escapes from maximum security centres have remained uniformly low since 1979 due to the increase in security. The new maximum security facility will be appropriately secured for prisoners of this security classification.

4.4 Concerns about Effects on Community

4.4.1 Correctional Centre Trends - Families of Inmates Moving into Correctional Centre Host Communities

Commonly held fear with the siting of a new correctional or in this case, proposed additions to an existing correctional centre is the potential ‘influx’ of inmate families relocating to prison host communities and the subsequent impact this would have on community services and facilities.

While there is no current data on the number of families that have relocated to Junee in order to be closer to an inmate, previous investigations, particularly those that assess the impacts of a correctional centre during both construction and post occupancy provide data to suggest that such effects are limited and relatively low. This is evident from the following findings:-

Research in the Lithgow Correctional Centre Socio-Economic Impact Assessment, in both 1998 and 2007, showed that very few families of inmates had relocated to Lithgow in order to be closer to a partner or family member incarcerated within the maximum security Lithgow Correctional Centre. The Department of Housing advised that it was

27 Lithgow Correctional Centre Social and Economic Impact Assessment, 2007, pg. 14.


only aware of approximately 5-6 requests per year from families of inmates wishing to relocate to Lithgow.

A low incidence of inmates’ families moving to an area to be closer to a family or partner in minimum or medium security correctional facility was also reported in findings from a post-occupancy assessment undertaken for the Mid North Coast Correctional Centre. In research for the Junee Centre it was reported that the incidence of families moving to Junee was low because families did not want to be identified as being related to an inmate, preferring the anonymity of a larger town.

Further to the above, findings from previous studies of correctional centres in NSW and New Zealand revealed the following rationale for this low incidence:-

There is an uncertainty of the length of stay due to the rotation of inmates between institutions. Movement may occur as a result of the inmates “programmed pathway”, reclassification of security level, prisoner preference, prevention of unhealthy associations, changing management policies at the prison, personality conflicts, and so on;

The correctional centre is open for visits only on public holidays and weekends. Junee can be visited as a day or overnight trip from Sydney, involving an approximate 5-hour drive in each direction. NSW Transport provide a direct service to the township of Junee via bus and train from Wagga Wagga (see Section 4.6). However, there is presently no public transport connection from the train/bus station to the correctional centre.

With respect to public housing tenants, accepting a property in Junee means that the family will be required to apply for a transfer back to Sydney or their original location of choice. Should they wish to move back to Sydney, for example, they will be forced to re-join the waiting list, currently up to ten years in length;

Families of inmates have the need for assistance from established social networks, and often prefer to remain in a familiar environment;

Economic and social difficulties often prevent relocation. These difficulties include rehousing, changing schools or jobs, and loss of friends and family; and

The construction of regional facilities has enabled inmates to be placed at institutions generally closer to their former place of residence or near their families thus reducing the need for families to move to be close to inmates. The construction of the maximum security facility at Cessnock will enhance the correctional facility’s ability to operate as a regional facility.

Having regard to the above findings, current trends in both the establishment and expansion of correctional centres indicate that the likelihood of families moving to a correctional centre host community is relatively low. It is it therefore likely that the same influences outlined above will result in similarly low levels of families relocating to the Junee area.

4.4.2 Likelihood of Families of Inmates Moving into the Junee Area

The Junee Correctional Centre is a regional facility and is considered one of NSW’s largest correctional centres. In this regard, where possible, inmates are generally incarcerated in centres that are close to home where there is existing capacity. However, the geographical expanse of the Riverina region, would suggest that visitors and families of inmates may travel


various distances when visiting the centre. In this regard, given the travel distances between Junee and other regional towns, it is likely that transport by private vehicle will be the most common form of transport to the centre (see section 4.6, Effect on Transport).

As advised by the JCC, anecdotal evidence suggests that the number of families of inmates moving to the area of Junee is low. This is consistent with the findings from investigations conducted in association with previous Correctional Centres as detailed in Section 4.4.1. Accordingly, social housing providers (including The Department of Housing) were consulted as a part of this assessment in order consider current demand for social housing from families of inmates wishing to relocated to the area of Junee.

The Department of Housing (Wagga Wagga Office) advised that in general, requests from families of inmates seeking social housing within the Junee area was very low. Where such a request was received, the Department of Housing advised that consideration is given to the length of the inmate’s sentence; thus if it is a long sentence, and the family is eligible for social housing, then a request could be made and considered by the Department of Housing however overall, the demand for such services by families of inmates is low.

Overall, the research and consultation to date suggests it is likely that the same influences will result in similarly low levels of families relocating to the Junee area. If the visiting hours continue to be restricted to weekends only it is also likely to limit the number of families or partners of inmates relocating to Junee.

4.4.3 Impact of Visitors to Inmates – Increase in Crime

Prison induced crime locally is a common perception amongst correctional centre host communities. The belief that crime will increase as a result of visitors of inmates visiting to the area was an issue raised as a result of the consultation for this study.

Having regard to previous studies on correctional centres, the 1998 SEIA for Lithgow Correctional Centre, prepared eight years after the Lithgow Correctional Centre commenced operations, found that the community held a perception that drug offences and car theft had increased, as a direct result of the centre. However, analysis of crime statistics indicated that that crime in fact decreased in Lithgow over the period by 5%, while it increased by 25% in NSW during the same period.

Crime data trends are a valid resource when considering the impact correctional facilities and in this case, visitors to correctional facilities have on local communities. The effect on crime and policing is discussed in Section 4.7 of this report.

In terms of visitors to the Centre, it is noted that visits to inmates are tightly controlled. All visitors to the Centre must make appointments in advance and it is understood that this procedure will not change as a result of the expansion. All visitors must supply a number of forms of identification, or be subject to identification via ‘thumb print’ technology, and a photograph of each visitor is taken and placed on file. Visitors are also in some instances screened for drugs and other contraband. Police are called to the centre if any offences occur.

Overall, whilst there appear to be a number of stereotypes associated with inmate families, the general comment should be made that the majority of visitors to inmates are law abiding citizens however, there was no evidence in any of the previous studies that suggest prisons are significant contributors to crime in the host communities or wider communities. In addition to this, CSNSW have also confirmed that the NSW Police and CSNSW regularly perform


targeted operations at the Centre so as to apprehend any person who is not complying with expected law and order28.

4.4.4 Likelihood of Discharged Prisoners Remaining in the Area

As with the concern over personal safety, there is the belief that crime will increase as a result of the presence of ex inmates who decide to remain in the community after release. However, previous SEIAs of the Lithgow and Mid North Coast Correctional Centres, as well as other research undertaken at Junee (Environmetrics, 1999) have found that few inmates choose to stay in the town after their release, unless they were already a resident in the area prior to incarceration.

Strategic directives implemented by CSNSW provide assistance to inmates with post-release services in areas such as housing, through co-operation and partnerships with non-government agencies. To assist in the re-integration of an inmate into society, transport is arranged for an inmate to return to their home upon release. Arrangements are then often made (prior to release) with housing authorities within the inmate’s local area indicating that there is no apparent reason for an inmate to remain in the area should Junee not be their home of residence prior to incarceration.

While there is no evidence or data on an inmate’s residence post-release from JCC, the centre believes that the proportion of inmates residing within the area upon release is low. This is conclusive with the stakeholder consultation with The Department of Housing (Wagga Wagga Office), where management confirmed that there have been very few cases or requests for social housing within Junee following the release of an inmate from prison unless an inmate previously resided in the area prior to incarceration. Similarly, discussions with correctional service staff have also indicated that historical information on inmate releases would suggest that the proportion of inmates residing within the are on release is low29.

Having regard to previous studies and stakeholder consultation, it is anticipated that few inmates or visitors would remain in the area upon release and that a majority of inmates would return to their previous address or suburb.

4.5 Positive Community Effects The construction, development and day to day operation of prisons can result in positive community impacts, particularly in rural locations such as Junee. The on-going operation of the JCC since 1993 has resulted in the following positive community effects:-

Currently, JCC employs approximately 277 staff which is set to grow as a result of the proposed expansion. Both current and future staff employment is said to include members of the community that reside in Junee.

In accordance with the Centres services and industries, JCC plays an integral part in assisting the local community through labour hours with the local Council, churches, community housing development as well as the senior citizens centre.

Improved offender rehabilitation – recognition of the community responsibility to address this social issue. Inmates in JCC have the opportunity to be involved in various

28 Pers. Comm. – Department of Correctional Services, General Manager Custodial Infrastructure, September 2016 29 Pers. Comm. – Department of Correctional Services, General Manager Custodial Infrastructure, September 2016


community projects and programs which involve the exhibition of an inmate’s art work, involvement in the South Coast Writers group (Aboriginal), the writers group within the Junee community, Knitters group, Chess Group, Colourful Dreaming program (Aboriginal), and Ukulele group. All programs see facilitators come onsite.

The Centre runs several educational scholarships, funded by community donations (local fundraisers) to assist youth residing in the Junee Shire who seek to further their skills in education, sports or creative arts.

As a result of the proposed facility expansion, there is also potential to expand on the existing relationships between the Centre and local community service providers. This in turn has primary benefits which include an increase in income generated by the consumption of local services.

As discussed in Section 5.3 of this report, the Centre has development a number of contracts with local community service providers to assist in the daily operations of the Centre including food suppliers, equipment suppliers, as well as recreational, medical and capital goods suppliers. Overall, the expansion of the facility is expected to result in an increase in demand for local service suppliers.

Given that the proposed facility involves maximum security inmates, the proposal is limited in the manner in which inmates can provide benefits to the community. However, it is noted that the centre currently provides, and will continue to provide a number of indirect community contributions through employment opportunities for the existing minimum security inmates.

4.6 Effect on Transport Visitation data obtained from the Centre concludes that approximately 1,459 people visit the centre per month. This accounts for 1.7 visits per inmate per month. The number of visitors to the centre as a result of the facility expansion is expected to increase following completion of the works.

Junee represents a regional correctional facility and as a result of the proposed expansion, will cater for minimum, medium and maximum security inmates. In this regard, while an assumption can be made that the prison is and will cater for a large proportion of inmates from the Riverina region, some inmates may be transferred to the centre from outer regions to effectively manage institutional populations or, so that the prisoner is within an environment consistent with their security requirements and/or to allow them to participate in correctional programs and/or other interventions as identified in their case management plan. Accordingly, visitors will travel from within the region with some most likely, from outer metropolitan areas.

The following outlines the travel assistance and possible public transport options for visitors to the JCC.

Travel assistance which can be used to travel to JCC includes:-

The Community Restorative Centre (CRC) provides for low cost travel assistance when planning a visit to an inmate in a NSW correctional centre. The service is provided to relatives and family members that live a significant distance from the centre (over 100km) and includes the likes of a train or bus fare or, assistance with fuel costs. Such


assistance can only be provided for 1 visit every 12 weeks for each person and is subject to the applicant meeting the eligibility criteria30.

Having regard to the population of the LGA’s surround the Junee LGA, those transport routes most common for visitors of inmates travelling to the centre is expected to come from Wagga Wagga, the Riverina’s largest city located only 40km from the Centre.

Junee Buses provide the following bus service:-

Route 23 (operating Mon-Fri) departs at 9.20am from the Victoria Hotel in Wagga, arriving at Lorne Street in Junee at 9.59am and Junee Railway Station at 10.00am. The return service from Junee departs 2.05pm from the Junee Railway Station, arriving at the Victoria Hotel in Wagga at 2.50pm.

Transport NSW operates the following train service:-

Southern NSW Line (Service no. 624 operating Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays) departs from the Wagga Wagga Station, Platform 1 at 12.56pm, arriving at Junee Station at 13.55pm. There is no same day return service.

The public transport services currently operating between Wagga and Junee are limited in number with the only return service operating on Fridays (via Junee Buses) which would benefit visitors to remand inmates only. On Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, there is no return train service that would coincide with a 2hr visit at the Centre should a visitor embark on the 624 Southern NSW Line train service. This service would also leave little time to complete a visit with an arrival time of 13.55pm, as visitation hours conclude at 15.30pm. Further to this, those public transport service available do not provide a direct service to the Centre, requiring visitors to either walk from Junee town centre to JCC (approximately 2.5km) or taxi. For these reasons, persons visiting the correctional centre are likely to make their own way to the centre via private vehicle during weekend visits in order to avoid an overnight stay in Junee.

While the proposed facility expansion may provide some increase in patronage of existing transport services, such services (primarily on the Friday return service via Junee Buses) are considered to have capacity to cater for the expected increase in visitation to the Centre.

Whilst it is impossible to predict with any certainty the potential additional impact on existing services, the Community Consultative Committee should engage with local transport providers following the occupation of the proposed facilities to determine and consider any potential impact on local transport services.

It is also recommended that the establishment of a courtesy bus service on weekends and public holidays between the town centre and the Centre be investigated. Such a service would best be undertaken in partnership with a local bus company or another service provider.

4.7 Effect on Crime and Policing Services It is a commonly held fear that the introduction of a correctional facility to an established community will lead to increased crime in the area, committed by prison escapees, families of inmates or by visitors to the centre or inmates choosing to remain in the area upon release.

30 Community Restorative Centre (27/07/2016),

www.crcnsw.org.au/images/misc/travel_and_accommodation_assistance_19012016.pdf


Community feedback through consultation indicates that similar perceptions are held by some members of the Junee community who feel that the expansion of the facility could have a negative impact on safety and security in the area, particularly with the establishment of a maximum security facility.

4.7.1 Correctional Centre Trends

Research undertaken in Lithgow, Kempsey and New Zealand indicates that the presence of a correctional centre does not necessarily lead to an increase in crime:-

Despite similar concerns expressed by certain sections of the Lithgow community, an analysis of crime statistics and discussions with police at the time revealed that in the six years following the opening of the correctional centre, overall crime rates had decreased by 5%. At the same time that NSW crime rate had increased by 25%31.

Statistics provided by the Crime Management Unit of the Mid North Coast Local Area Command (LAC) and presented in the Socio-Economic Impact Assessment of the Mid North Coast Correctional Centre (BBC Consulting Planners, 2007) show that the MNCCC had not contributed to an increase in crime in the Kempsey area. On the contrary there was a 17% total reduction in the eight most prevalent types of crime in the Kempsey LGA between 2003 (prior to the MNCCC opening) and 2006, two and a half years after the MNCCC commenced operation. During the same period, the overall incidence of these crimes actually increased slightly in surrounding LGAs, from between 1% to 5%. Whilst the rates of malicious damage in the LGA increased during this period, it was observed that this was reflective of an overall increase in this crime across NSW and was not specific to Kempsey.

The Intelligence Supervisor at the Mid North Coast LAC advised that there was no evidence to suggest that inmates released from the MNCCC had been committing further crimes in the area. The continued decline in the rate of motor vehicle theft and the absence of an increase in crime in Kempsey supported this conclusion.

Similar investigations into the effects of correctional centres on communities undertaken in New Zealand32 have returned analogous findings that whilst the public may be concerned that the presence of a correctional centre may be a source of criminal activity, case studies that were undertaken did not reveal any evidence that this occurs.

Discussions with the Superintendents in Local Area Commands (LACs) in which correctional centres have been located have indicated that, apart from the drug detection on visitors, there have otherwise been no noticeable impact of correctional centres on their local communities. In the review of Lithgow Correctional Centre, Lithgow LAC was unaware of any arrests which could be attributed to visitors to the Correctional Centre33.

31

Ibid, pg.25. 32

Baine J, Morgan, B and Buckeham, B (2003) An Overview: Contemporary Host Community Experience of Prisons in New Zealand. Working Paper FS#30, pg. 27.

33 Lithgow Correctional Centre Socio-Economic Impact Assessment, 2007, pg.25.


4.7.2 Crime Trend Analysis – Junee

Looking at the current NSW crime trends for the Junee LGA which contains the site and its surrounding suburbs, it can be seen that the area is not considered to be an area of significant incidents.

Due to the small number of incidents recorded which is a result of the small population of the Junee LGA, incident rates were not calculated for most offences (including robbery, sexual offences and theft). The lack of trends reported reflects the non-calculation rate provided by the Bureau. Because of this there were only two areas that revealed significant calculated results, being incidents of Malicious damage to property and Assault.

Table 10: Incidents of Malicious Damage to Property in Junee Local Government Area, from June 2012 – June 2016

Source: Bureau of Statistics Crime and Research (BOSCAR) Accessed on October 2016 Table 11: Incidents of Assault in Junee Local Government Area, from June 2012 – June 2016

Source: Bureau of Statistics Crime and Research (BOSCAR) Accessed on October 2016

Having regard to Tables 10 and 11, it is noted that the Junee LGA has experience a 2.7% decline over the last 5 years in incidents of malicious damage to property whilst incidents in assault have increased by 25.7%. Whilst the available crime data indicates that incidents of assault have increased over time, given that majority of the LGA population resides in Junee, it is to be expected that the majority of incidents are occurring within the Junee suburb.

Consultation with the Wagga Wagga Local Area Command (“LAC”) was undertaken as part of this study, in order to understand the relationship between the NSW Police and the centre as well as current issues to do with resourcing, visitors to the centre and inmates residing within the area upon release.

Discussions revealed that Police are often called to the Centre on weekends during visiting hours. In most cases this is as a result of a visitor bringing in contraband with the intent of supplying to inmates34. The supply of contraband is a criminal offence. In considering the number of occurrences and the time taken for police to attend a situation at the Centre (primarily during weekends), the LAC anticipate the proposed additions and the associated increase in the number of visitors to inmates will have an impact on current resourcing and demand for police services within the area.

34 Pers. Comm. – New South Wales Police, Wagga Wagga Local Area Command, October 2016

Statistical Area

5 Year Trend to June 2016

Year to June 2012 Count





New South Wales

down 7.9% per year

85087 80773 71602 65521 63436

Junee (Suburb)

down 2.7% per year

66 52 42 35 61

Statistical Area

5 Year Trend to Jun 2016

Year to June2012 Count





New South Wales

down 1.7% per year

64953 65323 64616 62747 62876

Junee (Suburb)

up 25.7% per year

31 33 57 53 80


Based on previous research, it is unlikely that an expansion of a centre will have an impact on crime rates recorded in an area to which it sits. Nevertheless, there can be concerns within a community as to the potential of increase in crime. It will be important for all agencies involved to keep the community informed and to carefully monitor the situation.

It is recommended that to effectively monitor and manage the impact of the additions, regular discussions are held with NSW Police and the Centre to establish effective management responses to address potential risks and issues that may arise. This could be done via a Prison Servicing Interagency group which has been recommended for establishment in section 6.2 of this report. Establishment of a Prison Servicing Interagency group will provide a regular forum for the exchange of issues and ideas in response to the management and operation of the service providers in connection with the Centre. It is also recommended that the Centre undertake a review of the current Security Management Plan in order to consider and address security matters, particularly in relation to the contraband issues.

4.8 Effect on Health Services Justice Health provides health services to the Centre currently, employing medical, nursing and allied health staff.

4.8.1 Effect on Hospital Services

Custodial health provides a comprehensive health service to inmates of Correctional Centres. However, public hospitals are used to treat inmates requiring acute or emergency treatment. It is understood that the transfer of inmates from JCC is likely to be the Wagga Wagga Rural Referral Hospital, in the Wagga Wagga township, approximately 40km south of Junee.

Currently, inmates are transferred to and from hospital for treatment via prison escort transport or by ambulance as required. There are currently no safe assessment rooms or transit lounges available at the Wagga Wagga Rural Referral Hospital and patients are managed through guard supervision.

It is understood that as a result of the proposed prison expansion, it is anticipated that there will be an increase in demand for health services as a result of the increase in inmates at Junee Correctional Centre. In addition, those inmates that will reside in the area on release may require on-going treatment as a result of specialist healthcare programs which is likely to place further demands on local healthcare providers.

NSW Justice Health have anticipated the increase in demand for health services in regional NSW as a result of the rise in the adult custodial population in NSW since 2013 and the projected increase in the custodial population within the coming years. Whilst the details with respect to the projected increase in number of inmates requiring medical treatment at the Wagga Wagga Rural Referral Hospital is unknown at this stage, appropriate management of the impacts will be undertaken with the coordinated response by both NSW Justice Health and Murrumbidgee Area Health Service.

Longer term impacts of the proposal can be planned for with the possibility of establishing new safe assessment rooms and transit lounges for inmates as well as the consideration of building a secure unit for inmates at the hospital to ensure inmates are treated efficiently in a safe and secure environment.

Further to the above, ongoing communication between Centre Management, NSW Justice Health and Aboriginal Health Organisations is required in order to consider the potential


increase in demand for the on-going treatment of inmates following their release from the Centre, particularly in regards to any long-term treatment plan established whilst they are located at the Centre.

In order to effectively anticipate and manage the additional demand for health services both for inmates residing at the Centre and those having been released, it is recommended that Justice Health continue to engage with community health care providers, and the Health District.

4.9 Effect on Educational and Child Care Services The increase in demand for education and child care services is generally linked to families of inmates and / or, staff with young families relocating to Junee.

There are two pre-school/childcare centres, three primary schools and one high school located in the suburb of Junee.

The proposed facility expansion will result in new permanent jobs in the area. As mentioned previously, it is estimated that approximately 40% of staff recruitment will occur from within the Junee Shire, and that up to 90% of staff recruitment will occur within a 1-hour drive of the Centre. This could result in additional families with children relocating to the area.

The impact of the proposed facility on each type of educational facility is discussed below.

4.9.1 Effects on Childcare

During consultation for the proposed additions, education providers were consulted in order to consider current demand for services and availability.

Those education provides that did provide feedback included the Goodstart Early Learning Childcare Centre, located in Junee. The centre currently operates Monday – Friday between the hours of 6:00am - 6:00pm Monday to Friday. A representative from the Centre indicated that the current hours of operation, particularly the 6.00am start was designed to cater for parents working shift work such are those employed at the JCC. In terms of capacity, while there are vacancies in the nursey program, the centre indicated that vacancies between the ages of 2-3yrs old full very quickly and that the ability to cater for additional demand between this age group would be difficult. The centre did note that there are children currently enrolled within the program that have family members/prison officers currently working within the correctional centre. Details on weather children enrolled at the centre have family members or parents incarcerated at JCC was unknown.

Having regard to the above, while the proposed additions to the centre could result in some additional enrolments at child care centres within the area, the overall impact is expected to be minimal as it is not anticipated there will be a significant number of families of inmates or staff moving to the area of Junee at a result of the expansion. It is recommended that Justice NSW liaise with the Department of Education to monitor the enrolment numbers and associated resource requirements.


4.9.2 Shine for Kids

Shine for kids is a not for profit child and family centre located adjacent to the JCC. The opening hours for Shine for kids is Friday 9am – 4pm and Saturday and Sundays 9am – 4pm35.

The Shine for Kids provides for in-visit program for families; child and parent days as well as for ‘Colourful Dreaming’, an Aboriginal and Torrens Strait Islander support program that allows inmates from the centre and their children to engage through cultural and artistic activities36.

The programs currently offered at the centre are highly dependent on volunteer staff in which currently, it is understood that the centre is looking to recruit volunteers to assist with the continuity of the program37.

The programs will continue to operate both during and after the completion of works on site for the new maximum security facility. It is recommended that centre management and Shine for Kids (an NGO) continue to explore opportunities for additional volunteer staff.

4.9.3 Effect on Schools

There are two public schools (Junee North Public School and Junee Public School) and one high school (Junee High School) located within Junee.

Data on school enrolments from the NSW Department of Education and Communities enrolment data (see Table 12 below) has seen some seen some schools’ enrolment decrease (Junee North Public School, and Junee High School) from between -12.6% and -12.3% between 2012-2016 while enrolments at Junee Public School saw a noticeable increase in enrolment by +30.3%.

Table 12: Trends in Enrolments in Government Schools in Junee (2012-2016)

School 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 %-/+

Junee North Public School

191 185 192 163 167 -12.6%

Junee Public School

192 118 129 140 134 +30.3%

Junee High School

245 250 233 215 215 -12.3%

Source: NSW Department of Education and Communities http://www.teach.nsw.edu.au/documents/2015%20-%20DGS14-253-Website%20Enrolment%20Information.pdf

Factors affecting NSW public school enrolment trends are based on a number of factors including parent choice, retention rates between grades and overall population changes in the number of school aged children. It is therefore impossible to establish the reasoning for fluctuations and changes in enrolments, particularly when considering the impact on school enrolments as a result of the existing centre.

35 Pers. Comm. – Department of Correctional Services, General Manager Custodial Infrastructure, September 2016 36 Shine for Kids (2016), www.shineforkids.org.au 37 Pers. Comm. – Department of Correctional Services, General Manager Custodial Infrastructure, September 2016


Consultation with schools within Junee has been undertaken in accordance with this study in order to gather anecdotal evidence on the existing JCC and any potential impact on schools:-

All schools indicated that there was capacity to cater for additional demand. Junee North Public School while currently sitting at 167 enrolments, indicated that whilst there is capacity to cater for new enrolments, the school was at maximum capacity in 2012 (191 enrolments).

Representatives at each school indicated that there were a number of children enrolled at the school that have a family member employed at the JCC.

It was largely unknown amongst all schools, the number of children with family members incarcerated at JCC.

The proposed maximum security additions could result in additional enrolments at local schools within Junee as a result of families of inmates and new staff moving to the area. However, as mention in section 4.4 of this report, the number of both families and staff expected to move to Junee as a result of the proposed expansions is expected to be limited. In this regard, with each school having capacity to cater for additional demand the overall impact of the facility expansion is expected to be minimal.

It is recommended that CSNSW liaise with the Department of Education through the Community Consultative Committee to monitor the enrolment numbers and associated resource requirements.

4.9.4 Effect on Higher Education Services

Inmates are provided with educational and vocational training in order to assist with rehabilitation and to provide the inmates with suitable skills to enter the workforce upon release. Training and employment is seen as a primary way to reduce reoffending38.

The Adult Education and Vocational Training Institute (AEVTI) is the registered training organisation (RTO) for the provision of education programs for inmates in NSW correctional centres.

Approval to participate in education programs is subject to the inmate meeting education program eligibility criteria and following assessment, may be approved to participate in the following programs:-

Cert II Skills for Work & Study

Cert I in Basic English Language Skills

Cert II in Routine English Language Skills

Access to Work & Training (Intro)

SOA in Food Safety Technology

Cert II in Construction

Cert I in Access to Vocational Pathways-INDUCTION

Cert I in Information, Digital Media & Technology

38Correctional Services NSW (2016),

www.correctiveservices.justice.nsw.gov.au/Documents/CSNSW%20Fact%20Sheets/fact-sheet-10-education-231015-1025-accessible.pdf


Foundation Skills for Learner Drivers

SOA in Work Readiness

General Construction Induction Training (White Card)

Cert II in Horticulture, Cert III in Agriculture

Cert II in Automotive Vocational Preparation

Cert II in Outdoor Power Equipment

Cert I in Engineering

Cert II in Furniture Making

Cert I in Hospitality

Cert II in Kitchen Operations

GEO Skill Set - Statement of Attainment in Automotive Underbody Repair

GEO Skill Set - Statement of Attainment in Pathways to Horticulture, SOA in Creative Work

The expenditure associated with offering these education programs to inmates at the facility will be covered under a CSNSW budget, allowing for additional TAFE staff or the increase of part-time employment opportunities, so as not to compromise existing services to the wider community.

Experience at other correctional centres in NSW suggest that educational services provided to the wider community through TAFE are not compromised as a result of the services offered to Correctional Centres, as the expenses associated with offering these education programs to staff and inmates are covered under a Justice NSW budget.

4.10 Effect on the Indigenous Community Junee is located within the Wagga Wagga Local Aboriginal Land Council Area. The Council functions include the provision of housing for Aboriginal’s in the Council’s area, and to project and foster the interests of members and all Aboriginal people within the Council’s area.

In accordance with the NSW inmate census data, there are 2548 male Aboriginal’s within correctional facilities across NSW. Of the 2548 male inmates, 189 medium and 15 minimum security Aboriginal inmates are held at Junee (8%). Compared to other correctional facilities within NSW, Junee has a relatively high proportion of ingenious inmates when compared to Parklea (6%), Bathurst (7.3%) and Broken Hill (1.3%).

The number of Aboriginal’s held at JCC is expected to increase as a result of the proposed maximum security facility.

4.10.1 Offender Management - Aboriginal offenders

Aboriginal offenders continue to be over-represented in custody within the NSW correctional system.

In 2010/2011 CSNSW launched its new Aboriginal Strategic Plan, ‘A Strategy for supporting Aboriginal offenders to desist from re-offending’. The strategy seeks to reduce the risk of Aboriginals reoffending by recognising the social issues, cognitive and hearing impairments, by listening to Aboriginal communities which contribute to achieving justice outcomes, increasing opportunities for Aboriginal offenders to be diverted from custody where appropriate and understand the importance of family, kinship, community and culture.


In this regard, a number of programs initiated through the Aboriginal Strategic Plan have been implemented within correctional centres state wide in order to assist in the rehabilitation of Aboriginal inmates and to reduce the risk of re-offending. This includes:-

programs and services across custody and community which are appropriate to Aboriginal offenders taking into account their cultural and geographic backgrounds;

education/vocational training and employment programs with a focus on community integration; and

relevant cultural awareness programs for offenders taking into account local country, language, art and traditional customs

The centre will continue to cater for the needs of Aboriginal inmates following the completion and occupation of the proposed maximum security facility at JCC. Following an inmates release from JCC, Local Aboriginal Land Councils within the Riverina region provide ongoing assistance for indigenous residents. This includes the Wagga Wagga, Young, Narrandera and Brungle/Tumit Local Aboriginal Land Council’s.

4.10.2 Effect on Indigenous Employment Opportunities

The construction of the new facilities could provide employment opportunities for Indigenous people in the local area which would will satisfy the requirements under the NSW Government Aboriginal Participation in Construction Policy39.

Further employment opportunities may become available during the ongoing operation of the correctional centre in Junee. In Junee, there is the potential for local Land Council’s to work co-operatively with management of the Centre to maximise employment opportunities for the Indigenous community during both construction and operation of the correctional centre.

4.10.3 Effect on Demand for Indigenous Services

Aboriginal Organisations provide a range of services to families, young people, children, people with disabilities and older people requiring assistance with day to day needs. As a result of consultation with Aboriginal services for previous studies, the general perception has been that correctional centres have a significant impact on the demand for aboriginal services particularly form families of inmates requiring assistance. This was the case in Lithgow where there were a number of regular requests for accommodation assistance whilst visiting on weekends and occasional intoxication of visitors at local hotels40.

As a result of the proposed facility expansion, the addition of 480 maximum security beds is expected to result in the number of Aboriginal inmates at the Centre. This is likely to result in impacts on local Aboriginal community organisations and service providers as a result of visitors and families of inmates as well as the demand for services following an inmates release.

The Wagga Wagga Local Aboriginal Land Council and Intereach, a social and personal wellbeing service for Aboriginal communities throughout the Riverina Murray region were contacted in order to understand the current demand for services and the potential increase in

39NSW Department of Finances and Services, The NSW Government Aboriginal Participation in Construction

Policy, 2015, pg. 1. 40 Lithgow Correctional Centre Socio-Economic Impact Assessment, 2007, pg.36.


demand for services as a result of the prison expansion. Whilst no response was received from either service provider, given the high proportion of indigenous persons within the Junee suburb it is recommended that the Community Consultative Committee engage with local Aboriginal community organisations and service providers throughout the construction and operation of the proposed additions to ensure that additional demand for services and support appropriate to the needs of visitors, particularly with regards to accessibility and accommodation are managed and mitigated if required.


5. Economic Effects

The economic impact of correctional centres is often the major positive benefit perceived by the local community. However, the construction of prisons, particularly in rural/regional areas, provide a significant economic boost to a local economy whilst representing a recession proof form of economic development.

The investment in prisons brings increased employment and economic benefits from the construction of new facilities, their operation as well as the commercial benefits from a regular stream of prison visitors. Conversely, some sections of the community perceive that they have a negative impact on the image and economy of an area.

The centre was established and fully operation in 1993. Over the ten years of its operation, the Centre has provided a stable level of employment in the LGA. The proposed maximum facility will result in an increase in the number of full time staff employed at the centre in areas such as custodial, industries, programs and administration positions. Employment opportunities will be provided both on and off site during the construction phase of the development. The total number of employment opportunities generated as a result of the proposal is not currently available but is expected to be determined prior to construction.

5.1 General Employment Trends According to the 2011 census data, the total labour force for the Junee LGA was 2,267 whilst 113 people were unemployed (5%). Comparably, the Department of Employment (DE) (small area labour markets data), suggests that the workforce participation rate has since increased in the Junee LGA with a total labour force of 2,602 for the June quarter (2016), whilst the unemployment rate has decreased (3.5%)41.

In accordance with Table 13 below, agriculture, forestry and fishing (17.3%) is the largest employer in Junee, and has been so since 199142. Secondary key industries include public administration and safety (10.9%), health care and social assistance (10.9%) and manufacturing (9.4%).

Table 13: Employed by Industry – 2011 Census data (Junee) Industry % of Population Employed Agriculture, forestry and fishing 17.3 Mining 0.2 Manufacturing 9.4 Electricity, gas, water and waste services

0.7

Construction 5.9 Wholesale trade 2.7 Retail trade 7.2 Accommodation and food services 5.2 Transport, postal and warehousing 8 Information media and telecommunications

0.3

Financial and insurance services 1.9

41 Department of Employment, Small Area Labour Markets Australia March Quarter 2016, Labour Market Research

and Analysis Branch Labour Market Strategy Group. 42 Junee Shire Council (2016), www.junee.nsw.gov.au/--MISSING--/business-statistics/employment.aspx


Rental, hiring and real estate services

1.1

Professional, scientific and technical services

2.5

Administrative and support services 2 Public administration and safety 10.9 Education and training 7.6 Health care and social assistance 10.9 Arts and recreation services 0.8 Other services 3.1 Total employed (no.) 2157

Source: ABS statistics data by region, Junee LGA www.stat.abs.gov.au/itt/r.jsp?databyregion

The largest employer for the Junee LGA is consistent with the economic driving force for the Riverina region, said to be the agriculture sector which not only grows but processes meat, rice, cereal, cotton and vegetables43.

5.2 Employment Opportunities

5.2.1 Construction

Construction of the proposed additions and alterations to the JCC is expected to commence in February 2017 and will take up to 36 months to complete. The overall projected budget for the works is $129 million.

Employment opportunities will be provided both on and off site during the construction phase of the development. Employment on site will fluctuate during the construction program, with up to 120 workers on-site during the peak of the construction phase.

The construction workforce is expected to rely on a mixture of both local contractors and subcontracts from both the Junee LGA and the Riverina region. A number of trades will be required to assist in the construction of the proposed facilities and is likely to include but not limited to:-

Electrical Trades

Mechanical Trades

Building Trades

Mobile Plant Operator / Truck Driver

Labourer / Trades Assistant

Metal Trades

Health and Safety

Having regard to previous studies on correctional facilities, data collected by the Department of Commerce in relation to the Mid North Coast Correctional Centre indicated that of all of the people inducted on site (including contractors and construction staff, client representatives, project management staff, suppliers and others), 66% resided in Kempsey and adjacent local government areas, with over half of those, or 37%, being resident in the Kempsey Shire. In

43


Wellington, the local component increased to over 70%. Accordingly, it is recommended in section 6 of this report that the Department of Justice work closely with the JCC to help facilitate local employment opportunities.

There will also be multiplier effects through the creation of indirect employment opportunities and business activities.

5.2.2 Operation

Since its opening in 1993, the existing JCC has been a major employer in the area. The Centre expansion with the addition of 480 maximum security inmates will result new employment opportunities at the Centre both for local and regional communities.

While staffing numbers are yet to be confirmed, it is expected that a number of full time positions at the centre in areas such as custodial staff and administration positions will become available on completion of the proposed expansion.

Additional support services provided by Justice Health are also envisaged as a result of the prison population increase and the expected increase in demand for health services. Operational demands for health services as a result of the prison expansion will be managed by Justice health in liaison with centre management.

5.3 Correctional Centre Expenditure

5.3.1 Purchasing Policies

Correctional centre purchasing policies will be governed by State Government contracts and legislation. When inviting tenders, the Public Finance and Audit Act 1983 and other Treasury directives set guidelines which must be stringently adhered to. The movement of money for goods and services is closely monitored by the audit branch and the corruption unit.

The CCC purchasing policy is as follows:-

State Government contracts must be used for purchasing whenever they are available;

Purchases must be made from CSI when they are able to supply cost effective and timely products; and

Other suppliers which have entered into a specific agreement with the Department of Corrective Services must be used.

When these three procedures do not apply, purchases may be made from any supplier. Where possible, orders are placed within the local community, with some local suppliers falling under the first or third policies above. This is the case with JCC whereby the following goods and supplies are purchased through a number of relationships that been established with local business providers:-

Food Supplies:- Milk and other dairy goods, Fresh meat – chicken/beef/lamb/pork, Dry goods, Frozen goods, Fruit and vegetables, Smallgoods, Refreshments and beverages, Consumables such as cutlery and associated serving wares for portion control;

Equipment Supplies:- Computers and associated IT supplies, Vehicles and vehicle consumables, Fire and safety equipment;


Maintenance Supplies:- Electrical services, Building works and repairs as well as Plumbing;

Recreational Supplies:- Newspapers, Televisions, Recreational items (e.g. games, books, exercise equipment, industries supplies including metal, wood, textiles, paint).

Medical Supplies:- Including Pharmacy, First aid and Medical supplies;

Capital Goods:- Building, Fencing, Electrical, Security systems and Water reticulation; and

Services:- Chaplaincy and spiritual needs catering for various denominations, IT expertise and maintenance contracts as well as training services for staff.

Within these regulations there are a number of opportunities for local companies, including:-

Ongoing and preventative maintenance contracts generated by capital works, which are generally major expenditure items. DCS develops these contracts on a state-wide basis, but often local companies do the work. For example, maintenance of diesel generators, freezers, air conditioning and the like.

Direct contracts with local or regional firms for such items as inmate buy-up, meat, cleaning, waste collection, dairy, and fruit and vegetables may be arranged in circumstances where the community benefits and a competitive price is available;

In such cases, expenditure can be made directly to local businesses without the necessity for consideration of contracts or tenders. Examples of items purchased through petty cash are plumbing supplies, mops and buckets, or sandwiches for a meeting. Any items beyond the maximum must be purchased through pre-existing contract arrangements.

Similarly, prisoners’ activity buy-up items can be purchased locally without the need for contracts.

It is recommended that the JCC works with the appointed Community Consultative Committee to ensure that local businesses are provided every opportunity to supply and service the Centre.

5.3.2 Visitor Expenditure

Visitors of inmates in some instances will require overnight accommodation, meals, local transport. In addition to this, some visitors may also visit local attractions. Other sources of local expenditure include that from legal representatives, visiting professional staff and any out of town supplies or out of town construction contractors.

In considering the potential for visitor expenditure and its potential impact on the local economy, previous research from a post-occupancy visitor survey at the MNCCC found that the potential inflow of visitor expenditure was relatively small.

5.4 Multiplier Effect In addition to the direct economic effects of the JCC on the local economy, all expenditure also creates a flow-on or multiplier effect.


An Input-Output Analysis of Lithgow Correctional Centre was prepared by Matthew Doyle of the University of Sydney in 1996. Mr Doyle’s analysis44 examined expenditure to firms in the Lithgow region. Wages and employment impacts were also considered. Type II consumption multipliers were estimated as follows:

Output Multiplier (Multiplier on local expenditure) 1.34

Income Multiplier (Multiplier on local incomes) 1.38

Employment Multiplier (Multiplier on no. of employees) 1.44

No more recent work of this kind has been undertaken and as such it will be assumed that similar multipliers would still be expected to apply.

It is expected that the economic impact of the JCC will multiply through the economy and reinforce the positive economic impact of JCC on the local economy.

5.5 Impact on Property and Land Values Construction and expansion of correctional centres can generally result in the community perception that property and land values will be negatively affected.

The way in which surrounding properties relate to the JCC site can influence the potential for impacts on property prices. In this instance, the site is surrounded by primarily pastoral properties with the nearest residential property located 465m east of the access road to JCC. It is also noted that the proposed facility expansion is located south of the existing centre of which there are no residential properties located nearby. The Centres location would indicate that there are very few amenity impacts (traffic, noise, safety etc.) on surrounding properties.

Whilst the value of any given piece of property is influenced by a vast array of considerations, the data tends for the median property price for the Junee suburb indicates that prices have continued to increase from $170,000 in September 2009 to $245,000 in March 201645. This illustrates an increase in the median property value of 30.6% which suggest that the location of the prison (in its rural setting) has had a negligible effect on property prices within the suburb. Indeed, property prices within the surrounding suburbs have continued to increase over time following similar trends to that for the Greater Metropolitan Region.

Having regard to previous studies, findings from a 2007 post-occupancy evaluation of the Mid North Coast Correctional Centre, which had been in operation for three years at the time, were broadly positive. None of the real estate agents consulted could recall any prospective tenants or buyers raising concerns about the proximity of their property, either current or prospective, to the Correctional Centre. On the contrary, anecdotal evidence from real estate agents indicated that the Correctional Centre may have contributed to the increased level of interest in the property market, possibly due to demand from staff. Overall, the findings of the evaluation study were that it was unlikely that the presence of a Correctional Centre has a negative impact on property values in the nearby area.

Overall, the Centre is surrounded by pastoral land and is not located within close proximity to any residential dwellings. The Centre location combined with current property trends suggests 44Matthew Doyle (1996) “The Regional Economics of NSW Prisons: An input-output analysis of Lithgow

Correctional Centre”, Sydney University (unpublished). 45 NSW Department Housing (2016) www.housing.nsw.gov.au/about-us/reports-plans-and-papers/rent-and-sales-

reports


that it is unlikely that the additions to the Centre will impacted on the rate of development or resale values within the Junee area.


6. Summary of Findings and Recommendations

6.1 Summary The NSW Department of Justice is proposing to enlarge the JCC to cater for an increase in maximum security inmates, creating an additional 480 maximum security beds.

Established in 1993, the Centre currently provides for both minimum and medium security inmates as is New South Wales largest regional correctional centre.

Findings from this assessment reveals that the majority of the LGA population resides in the suburb of Junee (4,578) and that whilst the suburb population has grown, future trends show an overall decline in the LGA population over the next 20 years.

Construction of the proposed additions and alterations to the JCC is expected to commence in February 2017 and will take up to 36 months to complete. The overall projected budget for the works is $129 million. Employment opportunities will be provided both on and off site during the construction phase of the development. Employment on site will fluctuate during the construction program, with up to 120 workers on-site during the peak of the construction phase.

As a result of the completion of the works additional staff are expected to be employed at the Centre and where possible a proportion of the new staff will be sourced from the Junee LGA, providing an important pool for base grade custodial positions where they cannot be filled from within the DCS.

Previous studies of Correctional Centres in NSW have shown there can be ongoing concerns with regards to perceived issues with local correctional centres. These include concerns of:-

increased crime and anti-social behaviour in the community as a result of families and visitors of inmates;

increasing numbers of families of inmates moving to the area;

inmates remaining in local areas after their release;

increased demand for social and welfare services; and

damage to the image of the local town.

Despite these concerns it has been found that service and welfare providers do not perceive these issues to be valid in most cases.

Overall, it is expected that, following the completion of the additions:-

the new maximum security facility will be appropriately secured for prisoners of this security classification to ensure the safety and security of surroundings suburbs is maintained;

the likelihood of families of inmates moving to the area of Junee is expected to remain low;

it is anticipated that few inmates or visitors would remain in the area upon release and that majority of inmates would return to their previous address or suburb;


there will be a small impact on increased demand for services such as educational, health and social services, however these can be managed through Centre management maintaining open lines of communication with the relevant agencies; and

The social benefits of the proposed facility include:-

an increase in the potential support for local charities through inmate work projects and additional staff fundraising which currently exist at JCC;

additional employment for local residents through both construction and operation of the proposed facility;

expansion of a stable industry within a rural local government area;

The overall economic impact of the proposal will result in positive local benefits to the communities of Junee, including employment opportunities for electrical and building trades as well as new correctional centre staff to facilitate the new maximum security facility. Aside from these direct benefits and the associated multiplier of flow-on effects in support industries, the continued presence of a major stable government employer will carry on supporting investor confidence.

6.2 Recommendations The following actions are recommended in relation to:-

minimising the potential negative social impacts, particularly in relation to housing and community facility and welfare needs related to the correctional centre; and

enhancement of the positive economic and social impacts of the centre.

6.2.1 Minimise Potential Negative Impacts

(1) Impacts on safety and security.

The Community Consultative Committee to update its Emergency Management Plan and a communications strategy for the additions to the correctional centre with the local community.

Centre management prepare an updated program of communication with neighbouring residents, including points of contact during any crisis situation at the Centre.

In working with the correctional centre management, the Community Consultative Committee will report on security measures and action taken in relation to escape management.

(2) Concern with the potential for increased crime and anti-social behaviour in the local area, connected with the Centre.

Centre management will continue to work with NSW Police, Council and other community groups to ensure management of crime levels;

Continued liaison with the Local Area Command to ensure staffing levels remain adequate and to continue to share information where relevant.

(3) Impact on social and welfare services.


Enhance partnerships with government and not for profit community services providers to assist in minimising the impact of the correctional centre, to facilitate the integration of service delivery.

Encourage a streamlined approach with social service providers to clearly articulate their policies on service provision, and procedures with local service providers to maximise work opportunities.

Junee Correctional Centre to increase awareness of support and assistance which is available through Justice NSW to eligible visitors of inmates.

Establish a Health Reference Group to enable open and ongoing dialogue between NSW Justice Health and Murrumbidgee Area Health Service to ensure any issues that arise following the expansion of the Centre are addressed with both short and long term solutions.

Given the number of agencies and welfare service groups that can be involved in working with correctional centres in NSW it is recommended a Prison Sentencing Interagency group be established to provide for a regular form for the exchange of issues and ideas in response to the management and operation of service providers to the Centre. A similar group, operating in relation to the South Coast Correctional Centre has proven to have been successful in terms of better integration of services for inmates, particularly in relation to improved case management of inmates and those who are near release.

(4) Addressing the needs of the Indigenous community

Engage local Aboriginal land councils to participate in the Community Consultative Committee or other form, where necessary, to address relevant community wide issues surrounding Indigenous needs.

6.2.2 Maximise Positive Economic and Social Impacts

(1) Junee Correctional Centre is to work closely with local businesses and service providers, including schools, to ensure all possible opportunities for partnership and development are identified and addressed. Hold discussions about methods of ensuring maximum opportunities for local firms

to win tenders under the Justice NSW centralised tendering process. Ensure that tenders are placed in local newspapers. Regularly publish a list of upcoming future tenders at Council and in the local areas. Community Consultative Committee will establish communication with local schools

and other community facilities during early operation of the new centre to identify initiatives which provide community benefit

(2) Liaise closely with economic development groups to develop new ways to add

economic value from the Centre, eg attracting new industries, briefing sessions to assist the local community in the development of individual or consortium based approaches to bid for tenders.

(3) Community Consultative Committee to work co-operatively with the key community

groups to develop and facilitate skills enhancement programs, pre-employment strategies and active recruitment drives in the local community.

APPENDICES

APPENDIX 1

Figures

SOCIAL AND ECONOMIC IMPACT ASSESSMENTJunee Correctional Centre, Park Lane, Junee

FIGURE 1Location of Site in Context of Junee LGA

Prepared For - Phillips Smith Conwell

Source: NearMap

0 10km

N

Junee LGA

SITE


FIGURE 2Location of Site in Context of Surrounding Suburbs


Source: NearMap

JUNEE

OLD JUNEE

COOLAMON

BETHUNGRA

WANTABADGERY

OURADOWNSIDE

METHUL

SITE


FIGURE 3Nearby Facilities


Bus StopTrain StationEducational InstitutionShopping Centre

LEGENDS

Post OfficePublic/Government BuildingMedical Centre/HospitalPlace of Worship

SITE


FIGURE 4AIRSD SA1 Map - SEIFA


8

11

10

8

7

8

1

22

2

22

3

2


FIGURE 4BIEO SA1 Map - SEIFA


8

11

6

8

8

8

1

24

2

22

4

2

APPENDIX 2

Demographic Summary

No. % No. % No. % No. % No. % No. % No. %Population

Total Persons 4,578 ‐ 530 - 299 - 150,120 - 5,821 ‐ 5,878 ‐ 6,917,658 ‐

Age groups:

0-4 years 307 6.7% 36 6.8% 26 8.7% 10,510 7.0% 388 6.7% 395 6.7% 458,735 6.6%5-14 years 548 12.0% 66 12.5% 50 16.7% 21,428 14.3% 730 12.5% 745 12.7% 873,776 12.6%15-24 years 584 12.8% 60 11.3% 23 7.7% 20,513 13.7% 720 12.4% 722 12.3% 893,103 12.9%25-54 years 1,914 41.8% 183 34.5% 101 33.8% 56,233 37.5% 2,372 40.7% 2,396 40.8% 2,863,576 41.4%55-64 years 554 12.1% 96 18.1% 54 18.1% 17,848 11.9% 765 13.1% 774 13.2% 810,290 11.7%65+ years 671 14.7% 88 16.6% 46 15.4% 23,588 15.7% 846 14.5% 847 14.4% 1,018,178 14.7%Under 18 years 1,009 22.0% 126 23.8% 81 27.1% 38,485 25.6% 1,319 22.7% 1,335 22.7% 1,600,844 23.1%

^ Median Age 37 ‐ 44 ‐ 40 ‐ 38 ‐ 39 ‐ 39 ‐ 38 ‐

Cultural Diversity:

Indigenous persons 371 8.1% 10 1.9% 6 2.0% 7,029 4.7% 394 6.8% 391 6.7% 172,621 2.5%^ Persons from non-English speaking backgroun 196 4.3% 7 1.3% 0 0.0% 8,192 5.5% 216 3.7% 212 3.6% 1,288,852 18.6%

Common NESB groupings (1)

Common NESB groupings (2)

Religion:

Anglican 1,146 25.0% 139 26.2% 115 38.5% 37,541 25.0% 1,517 26.1% 1,531 26.0% 1,378,386 19.9%Buddhism 14 0.3% 0 0.0% 0 0.0% 611 0.4% 16 0.3% 14 0.2% 201,034 2.9%Catholic 1,366 29.8% 176 33.2% 85 28.4% 51,549 34.3% 1,732 29.8% 1,738 29.6% 1,902,393 27.5%Other Christian 558 12.2% 112 21.1% 37 12.4% 27,541 18.3% 810 13.9% 832 14.2% 1,181,573 17.1%Hinduism 4 0.1% 0 0.0% 0 0.0% 588 0.4% 5 0.1% 4 0.1% 119,802 1.7%Islam 10 0.2% 0 0.0% 0 0.0% 794 0.5% 11 0.2% 9 0.2% 219,377 3.2%Other Religious Afffiliations 15 0.3% 0 0.0% 0 0.0% 2,038 1.4% 24 0.4% 23 0.4% 140,093 2.0%No Religious Affiliations 465 10.2% 60 11.3% 38 12.7% 18,809 12.5% 613 10.5% 636 10.8% 1,240,532 17.9%Religion not stated 1,000 21.8% 42 7.9% 24 8.0% 10,649 7.1% 1,094 18.8% 1,094 18.6% 534,468 7.7%

1 Household Characteristics

2 Family household 983 69.0% 155 81.2% 82 75.9% 38,554 70.3% 1,330 71.2% 1,345 71.3% 1,777,398 71.9%Lone Person household 415 29.1% 32 16.8% 26 24.1% 14,606 26.6% 503 26.9% 505 26.8% 599,148 24.2%Group household 27 1.9% 4 2.1% 0 0.0% 1,679 3.1% 36 1.9% 37 2.0% 94,750 3.8%

3 Family Characteristics

Total Families 996 ‐ 152 ‐ 79 ‐ 39,066 ‐ 1,346 ‐ 1,368 ‐ 1,829,553 ‐

Couple family with children 415 41.7% 63 41.4% 36 45.6% 16,577 42.4% 575 42.7% 587 42.9% 831,850 45.5%Couple family without children 375 37.7% 79 52.0% 38 48.1% 15,788 40.4% 534 39.7% 543 39.7% 669,019 36.6%One parent families 192 19.3% 10 6.6% 5 6.3% 6,118 15.7% 224 16.6% 224 16.4% 297,904 16.3%Other families 14 1.4% 0 0.0% 0 0.0% 583 1.5% 13 1.0% 14 1.0% 30,780 1.7%Dwelling Characteristics

4 Total Private Dwellings 1,604 ‐ 231 ‐ 132 ‐ 62,858 ‐ 2,147 ‐ 2,167 ‐ 2,736,637 ‐

Unoccupied Private Dwellings 181 11.3% 39 16.9% 24 18.2% 8,019 12.8% 278 12.9% 280 12.9% 265,338 9.7%5 Total Occupied Private Dwellings 1,423 88.7% 192 83.1% 108 81.8% 54,839 87.2% 1,869 87.1% 1,887 87.1% 2,471,299 90.3%

Occupancy Rate 3 ‐ 3 ‐ 3 ‐ 3 ‐ 3 ‐ 3 ‐ 3 ‐

Occupied Private Dwellings:

Separate House 1,346 83.9% 192 83.1% 108 81.8% 48,604 77.3% 1,787 83.2% 1,809 83.5% 1,717,701 62.8%Semi-detached, row or terrace house, 53 3.3% 0 0.0% 0 0.0% 1,850 2.9% 53 2.5% 53 2.4% 263,926 9.6%Flat, unit or apartment 10 0.6% 0 0.0% 0 0.0% 3,849 6.1% 11 0.5% 9 0.4% 465,188 17.0%Other dwellings 3 0.2% 0 0.0% 0 0.0% 461 0.7% 4 0.2% 3 0.1% 21,141 0.8%Not stated 11 0.7% 0 0.0% 0 0.0% 75 0.1% 14 0.7% 13 0.6% 3,343 0.1%Tenure Type:

New South Wales (State)

Arabic Chinese

Chinese Arabic N/A

N/AN/A

Old Junee SS Wantabadgery SS Junee LGAJunee SS

Arabic Spanish

Junee SA2

Arabic Chinese

Riverina SA4

Italian Indo‐Ayrian Languages

N/A

No. % No. % No. % No. % No. % No. % No. %New South Wales (State)Old Junee SS Wantabadgery SS Junee LGAJunee SS Junee SA2Riverina SA4

Owned outright 500 35.1% 87 45.5% 55 50.0% 19,735 36.0% 715 38.3% 723 38.3% 820,006 33.2%6 Owned with a mortgage 502 35.2% 66 34.6% 26 23.6% 17,208 31.4% 631 33.8% 642 34.0% 824,293 33.4%7 Rented (Total): 365 25.6% 34 17.8% 22 20.0% 15,749 28.7% 451 24.1% 452 23.9% 743,050 30.1%8 Real estate agent 184 12.9% 5 2.6% 0 0.0% 7,235 13.2% 194 10.4% 194 10.3% 430,133 17.4%8 State Housing Authority 58 4.1% 0 0.0% 0 0.0% 2,261 4.1% 59 3.2% 59 3.1% 108,841 4.4%

Other tenure type 8 0.6% 0 0.0% 3 2.7% 463 0.8% 12 0.6% 13 0.7% 20,418 0.8%Not stated 51 3.6% 4 2.1% 4 3.6% 1,684 3.1% 60 3.2% 59 3.1% 63,529 2.6%Income

^ Median Individual Income ($/weekly) 462 ‐ 526 ‐ 561 ‐ 521 ‐ 472 ‐ 472 ‐ 561 ‐

^ Median Household income ($/weekly) 869 ‐ 1,213 ‐ 1,140 ‐ 994 ‐ 888 ‐ 895 ‐ 1,237 ‐

9^ Labour Force:

10 Labour force participation 1,569 42.2% 283 66.1% 156 69.0% 71,834 60.8% 2,231 47.5% 2,267 47.8% 3,334,857 59.7%11 Unemployed persons 94 6.0% 0 0.0% 3 1.9% 3,494 4.9% 110 4.9% 113 5.0% 196,526 5.9%12 Occupation:

Managers 137 9.3% 121 43.2% 82 52.6% 11,408 16.7% 445 21.0% 463 21.5% 418,333 13.3%Professionals 163 11.0% 37 13.2% 9 5.8% 10,267 15.0% 227 10.7% 235 10.9% 713,547 22.7%Technicians and trades 215 14.6% 23 8.2% 13 8.3% 10,149 14.9% 263 12.4% 271 12.6% 414,669 13.2%Community and personal service 230 15.6% 23 8.2% 12 7.7% 6,706 9.8% 277 13.1% 279 12.9% 297,668 9.5%Clerical and administrative 188 12.7% 27 9.6% 14 9.0% 8,076 11.8% 246 11.6% 252 11.7% 473,140 15.1%Sales workers 115 7.8% 13 4.6% 6 3.8% 6,286 9.2% 143 6.8% 140 6.5% 290,497 9.3%Machinery operators and drivers 159 10.8% 4 1.4% 9 5.8% 4,958 7.3% 181 8.6% 183 8.5% 199,438 6.4%Labourers 241 16.3% 26 9.3% 11 7.1% 9,352 13.7% 298 14.1% 297 13.8% 273,129 8.7%Not stated 28 1.9% 6 2.1% 0 0.0% 1,137 1.7% 36 1.7% 36 1.7% 57,909 1.8%Industry:

Agriculture, forestry and fishing 53 3.6% 130 46.4% 74 47.4% 7,919 11.6% 357 16.9% 372 17.3% 69,576 2.2%Mining 6 0.4% 0 0.0% 0 0.0% 185 0.3% 9 0.4% 9 0.4% 31,185 1.0%Manufacturing 164 11.1% 15 5.4% 10 6.4% 7,406 10.8% 200 9.5% 201 9.3% 264,864 8.4%Electricity, gas, water and waste services 9 0.6% 0 0.0% 0 0.0% 1,071 1.6% 13 0.6% 12 0.6% 34,205 1.1%Construction 105 7.1% 11 3.9% 8 5.1% 4,568 6.7% 128 6.0% 128 5.9% 230,058 7.3%Wholesale trade 47 3.2% 9 3.2% 4 2.6% 2,355 3.4% 54 2.6% 58 2.7% 138,890 4.4%Retail trade 123 8.3% 13 4.6% 9 5.8% 7,569 11.1% 150 7.1% 156 7.2% 324,725 10.3%Accommodation and food services 91 6.2% 13 4.6% 0 0.0% 4,319 6.3% 110 5.2% 111 5.1% 210,378 6.7%Transport, postal and warehousing 151 10.2% 7 2.5% 6 3.8% 3,192 4.7% 173 8.2% 173 8.0% 155,025 4.9%Information media and telecommunications 5 0.3% 0 0.0% 4 2.6% 495 0.7% 5 0.2% 5 0.2% 72,489 2.3%Financial and insurance services 22 1.5% 9 3.2% 0 0.0% 1,202 1.8% 38 1.8% 41 1.9% 158,425 5.0%Rental, hiring and real estate services 19 1.3% 0 0.0% 0 0.0% 687 1.0% 25 1.2% 24 1.1% 51,553 1.6%Professional, scientific and technical services 38 2.6% 6 2.1% 0 0.0% 2,224 3.3% 51 2.4% 56 2.6% 247,293 7.9%Administrative and support services 41 2.8% 3 1.1% 3 1.9% 1,529 2.2% 46 2.2% 46 2.1% 102,355 3.3%Public administration and safety 206 14.0% 12 4.3% 7 4.5% 5,438 8.0% 236 11.2% 234 10.9% 192,632 6.1%Education and training 105 7.1% 24 8.6% 13 8.3% 6,052 8.9% 162 7.7% 163 7.6% 248,951 7.9%Health care and social assistance 187 12.7% 21 7.5% 10 6.4% 7,580 11.1% 226 10.7% 235 10.9% 364,322 11.6%Arts and recreation services 15 1.0% 0 0.0% 0 0.0% 475 0.7% 15 0.7% 14 0.6% 46,332 1.5%Other services 53 3.6% 7 2.5% 4 2.6% 2,501 3.7% 65 3.1% 65 3.0% 117,616 3.7%Not stated 36 2.4% 0 0.0% 4 2.6% 1,572 2.3% 53 2.5% 53 2.5% 77,456 2.5%Education

13 Completion of Year 12 (or equivalent) 704 19.6% 154 37.7% 92 42.4% 38,548 34.2% 1,078 23.8% 1,106 24.2% 2,631,287 49.2%14^ Without post-school qualifications 1,500 41.8% 162 39.6% 95 43.8% 54,012 47.9% 1,903 42.0% 1,913 41.9% 2,147,190 40.2%

No. % No. % No. % No. % No. % No. % No. %New South Wales (State)Old Junee SS Wantabadgery SS Junee LGAJunee SS Junee SA2Riverina SA4

*Source: Unless indicated otherwise, all suburb, Trade Area, LGA, SD and NSW data was compiled using ABS Census Tablebuilder 2011, which is based on the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) Census of Population and Housing 2011.

^Based on ABS Basic Community Profile (BCP), 2011.

N/A: No languages stated other than English

General Notes:

∙ Unless indicated otherwise, all data is based on place of usual residence and excludes overseas visitors.

∙ Unless indicated otherwise, data pertaining to dwellings excludes ‘visitor only’ and ‘other non‐classifiable’ households.

∙ Due to the randomisation process applied by ABS to protect the confidentiality of individuals and households, totals of some categories (e.g occupied private dwellings excluding visitor only and non‐classifiable households) may vary slightly within different headings.

∙ The percentages (%) represent proportion of total persons in the specified region unless otherwise noted.

Specific Notes:

1. Count of occupied private dwellings, excluding ‘visitor only’ and ‘other non‐classifiable’ households.

2. Includes single family and multiple family households.

3. Percentages represent proportion of total families in region.

4. Includes both occupied and unoccupied private dwellings.

5. Includes ‘visitor only’ and ‘other non‐classifiable’ households

6. Includes dwellings purchased under a rent/buy scheme.

7. Includes dwellings rented from all landlord types i.e. real estate agent, State/Territory housing authority, person not in same household, housing co‐operative/community/church group, other landlord type and landlord type not stated.

8. Percentages shown are the proportion of total dwellings stock in the region (i.e not a proportion of rental dwelling stock). As the various other landlord types (including landlord type not stated) have not been shown in this table, the combined totals for “real estate agent” and

9. Based on the ABS BCP for all areas

10. % represents the proportion of persons in the region aged 15 years and over.

11. The unemployment rate is calculated as a proportion of persons aged 15 years and over participating in the labour force.

12. % represents the proportion of all employed residents in an area. ‘Not Stated’ and ‘inadequately described’ proportions are not shown here, but have been included in the total occupation / industry counts (as appropriate)

13. Excludes persons still attending school.

14. % represents the proportion of persons in the region aged 15 years and over, who were not attending school.

15. SEIFA 2011 data obtained from the ABS, Catalogue 2033.0.55.001.