A new prison under construction at Chisholm Road is putting local jobs first with more than 45,000 labour hours completed by workers in the Geelong area, exceeding the project target by 50 per cent.

The project has now injected $200 million into the local economy – $126 million for services and supplies from businesses in Greater Geelong and Melbourne’s western suburbs, and $74 million to employ local sub-contractors and workers living within 30 kilometres of the project site.

Specific employment targets for workers in the Geelong suburbs of Corio, Norlane, Whittington and parts of Colac were set prior to the start of construction in February 2020.

These postcodes were identified as focus areas for targeted recruitment in consultation with the G21 Regional Opportunities for Work (GROW) initiative. Additional local employment targets were determined in consultation with the project’s Community Advisory Group, including the City of Greater Geelong and community members.

The Chisholm Road Prison Project is continuing to recruit from targeted postcodes, after exceeding an initial goal of offering 30,000 labour hours to workers based in these areas.

More than 1,200 workers are now on-site to construct the new prison near the existing Barwon Prison Precinct. The project entered its peak construction phase last month, with workforce numbers expected to rise to more than 1,400.

Ten per cent of labour hours on the project are allocated to young workers including apprentices, trainees and cadets. An additional $16.3 million has been directed to social enterprises that support Indigenous and disadvantaged Victorians and people with a disability in gaining employment.

Construction of the prison is being managed by John Holland, overseen by the Community Safety Building Authority, which delivers infrastructure on behalf of the Department of Justice and Community Safety. The project is scheduled for completion in 2022.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Corrections Natalie Hutchins

“Through this project we have invested in local businesses and workers, providing a significant economic boost to the region.”

“This targeted approach means jobs are created where they’re needed most, providing a great chance for workers to build their skillsets and set out on a new career path.”