16 August, 2002
The planning process for the proposed Otago Region Corrections Facility will be a key topic explained by the Department of Corrections at a public meeting on 20 August in Milton.
National Property Manager William Whewell says that if a corrections facility goes ahead at Milburn, Corrections Minister Mark Gosche will seek to designate the site for prison purposes.
Mr Whewell says it has been suggested that a corrections facility would be a permitted activity under the Clutha District Council’s District Plan. “Over the past months our knowledge and understanding of the plan has increased. Based on professional advice and discussion with the Council it is appropriate to seek a designation rather than a certificate of compliance as a permitted activity.”
Designation is a formal process to allow a site to be used for a particular purpose, which in this case would be ‘prison purposes’. “The designation process provides opportunities for individuals and groups to participate through submissions and hearings,” says Mr Whewell. “The process would start with the Corrections Minister lodging a Notice of Requirement with the Clutha District Council.”
The Corrections Minister will review the findings of technical investigations and consultation and make a decision on whether or not to go ahead with the necessary planning approvals later this year. The Minister’s decision on whether to proceed with the facility will require a balance of technical, social, cultural, environmental and economic factors.
Further explanation about the planning process along with an update on the project will be provided at the public meeting. The meeting will be held at Coronation Hall, 93 Union Street, Milton, on 20 August from 7pm to 9pm. The Department will also explain the planning process in its next issue of the Corrections Communicator newsletter.