1 July, 2003
Planning approvals have been sought to develop a new corrections facility for the Otago region, to replace Dunedin Prison.
Yesterday the Corrections Minister, the Hon. Paul Swain, lodged a Notice of Requirement with the Clutha District Council.The notice is an application to designate the chosen site, near Milton, for a prison.
Department of Corrections National Property Manager, William Whewell, says the formal designation process offers further opportunities for those affected to have their say.
"The Clutha District Council manages the designation application under the Resource Management Act.This includes calling for public submissions and holding a public hearing."
Mr Whewell said the designation application contains in-depth analysis of the potential effects of the facility and how they will be addressed.It is the culmination of months of consultation and research.
"The application, some 800 pages long, contains a comprehensive set of documents describing the facility, including how it will operate, and information on practical considerations such as design, access, security, lighting and landscaping.It also includes reports on cultural values, the social impact of the facility, and the consultation undertaken.
"The application sets out proposed conditions the Department must follow during construction and once the prison is operating.One proposed condition is to set up a community liaison group as an ongoing point of contact between the community and the Department."
Mr Whewell says that since the site was identified in June 2002 as the strongest option for the prison, consultation with tangata whenua, the local community and other stakeholders has been a priority.eedback from these groups has been incorporated and the project proposal now contains measures to reduce or eliminate any possible negative effects of the facility.
The construction of the facility would provide an economic boost to the area, involving up to 370 workers.Once the prison opens it is expected to employ 160 permanent staff.
The new 330-bed Otago Region Corrections Facility is needed to replace the outdated Dunedin Prison, built in 1895.
Resource consent applications for minor site works will shortly be lodged with the Otago Regional Council.