The news that Wollondilly won’t be the site of a new mega-jail means people will visit “because they want to not because they have to”, said mayor Judith Hannan.
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On Monday Minister for Corrections David Elliott ruled out the Wollondilly jail and said Corrective Services NSW would work with councils on other possible locations.
The maximum-security prison capable of housing 5000 inmates would replace the existing Long Bay jail.
Despite the news from Mr Elliott, a Wollondilly Shire Council meeting was held on Monday and councillors formally rejected the jail proposal.
“The 5000-bed jail would have been massive and completely contrary to the strategic direction of this council and the community,” Cr Hannan said.
“We want people to visit the amazing Wollondilly because they want to, not because they have to.”
Council will write to Mr Elliott to advise him of council’s position, to thank him for the announcement and to request written confirmation that Wollondilly will not be the site of a jail.