Port Phillip Prison

Victoria Shuts Down Port Phillip Prison and Opens New Correctional Centre

Victoria announces the closure of Port Phillip Prison and the opening of Western Plains Correctional Centre in Lara. Find out the details here!

Victoria is making waves in its prison system with the closure of Port Phillip Prison and the introduction of the Western Plains Correctional Centre in Lara. The Allan government's decision to shut down Port Phillip Prison alongside the upcoming opening of the new facility in Lara marks a significant shift in the state's corrections landscape. Dhurringile Prison near Shepparton is also set to close in the following months, reflecting a comprehensive reorganization of Victoria's prison infrastructure.

As part of the reforms, Corrections Victoria is implementing major changes in the men's prison system, focusing on maximum-security facilities. The new Western Plains Correctional Centre, scheduled to open in mid-2025, will offer accommodations for 1200 inmates, catering to the state's evolving incarceration needs. This strategic move aligns with the government's commitment to enhancing security measures and providing effective rehabilitation programs for prisoners.

The closure of Port Phillip Prison will consolidate the state's publicly run correctional facilities, with Fulham and Ravenhall prisons becoming the only privately managed jails in Victoria. This transition aims to streamline operations and improve the overall efficiency of the prison system, ensuring better control and management of the inmate population.

In a surprising turn of events, Corrections Minister Enver Erdogan announced the early termination of a lucrative private prison deal, accelerating the closure of Port Phillip Prison by the end of 2025 and Dhurringile Prison by September 2024. These strategic moves reflect the government's proactive approach to reshaping the state's correctional services and addressing evolving security challenges.

Victoria's decision to close Port Phillip Prison and Dhurringile Prison highlights the state's commitment to modernizing its corrections infrastructure and enhancing inmate welfare. With the inauguration of the Western Plains Correctional Centre, Victoria is set to usher in a new era of efficient and secure corrections management.