Mid North Coast Correctional Centre expansion officially opens

During it's construction, the expansion produced around 1300 local jobs and has created 120 ongoing jobs at the centre.

Minister for counter terrorism and corrections Anthony Roberts said the economic boost will continue to benefit the community.

"During construction more than 1350 people were employed, most of whom came from the Kempsey area," Mr Roberts said.

"There has been significant employment opportunities created for locals, which will have a much needed flow on effect into the local economy.

"The 120 jobs created from the expansion will allow local people to apply for front line jobs."

Member for Oxley Melinda Pavey agreed and said there will be flow-on effect for the community.

"The local people who have been employed here have also been trained locally. Having a processing centre here will also take some of the pressure off local police," she said.

Corrective Services NSW Commissioner Peter Severin said the expansion allows the centre to provide more safe and secure infrastructure for inmates while the new industries complex and programs spaces are dedicated to inmate rehabilitation.

"This is already a successful centre, and with the expansion we can continue to ensure it remains so," he said.

"The new Corrective Services Industries building includes timber manufacturing, kitchen, yard maintenance and a recycling plant to manage waste generated by up to 1000 inmates.

"These industries will help provide inmates with skills they can use to find a job once released, and the new programs spaces will help to break the cycle of crime by supporting inmates to address the nature of their offending."

The official opening was marked by Mr Roberts presenting the ceremonial keys to Governor Majid Marashian during the ceremony. Mr Marashian said the most important part of the expansion is the added benefit of space and technology.

"Allowing the inmates to have more space by building one cell blocks will help relieve the pressure cooker environment that can happen in a correctional centre. Also having interview rooms here means we don't have to unnecessarily move inmates when they appear by video in court," he said.

The medium security section of the centre is part of the Government's $3.8 billion prison expansion program.

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