Come June, residents can talk face-to-face with Corrective Services NSW staff about the proposed jail at Kembla Grange.
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As part of the planned consultation process, which includes a website and phone line taking feedback, Parliamentary Secretary for the Illawarra Gareth Ward on Monday announced drop-in sessions will be held in late June.
There will be three sessions held – two in Dapto and one in Berkeley – each staffed with employees from Corrective Services NSW.
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“We are very genuinely interested in hearing people’s views,” Mr Ward said.
“I’ve asked Correctives to put together as much information as they have at that point to share with people so that they can ask questions.
“If we can’t answer all their questions we can get back to people to provide as much information as possible.”
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The debate around the possibility of Kembla Grange being home to a maximum-security prison has stirred up a lot emotion.
Mr Ward said the debate should take place “in a respectful manner”.
“I don’t know how people can attack others so viciously for asking them for their opinion, which is what we’re doing,” Mr Ward said.
“I’ve had a lot of support though, as well as some comments that are not supportive, but let’s have the conversation.”
Labor MPs in the Illawarra said the drop-in sessions needed to include firm details of the proposal, including the size of the facility, who will operate it and how many jobs will be created.
The dates and locations of the drop-in sessions are:
- Sunday, June 24, 10.30am to 1.30pm at Dapto Square on the corner of Princes Highway and Moombara Street.
- Monday, June 25, 11.30am to 2.30pm, in the foyer of the Dapto Ribbonwood Centre.
- Tuesday, June 26, 10am to 1pm, Winnima Way Reserve outside Berkeley Neighbourhood Centre, Berkeley.
Glen Humphries
I'm an award-winning senior journalist with the Illawarra Mercury and have well over two decades' worth of experience in newspapers. I cover the three local councils in the Illawarra for the Mercury, state and federal politics, as well as writing for the TV guide. If I'm not writing, I'm reading.
I'm an award-winning senior journalist with the Illawarra Mercury and have well over two decades' worth of experience in newspapers. I cover the three local councils in the Illawarra for the Mercury, state and federal politics, as well as writing for the TV guide. If I'm not writing, I'm reading.
